Shubman Gill, the upcoming batting talent of the Indian team was named the vice-captain of the side that is picked for the ODI series against England. He was also named the vice-captain of the squad that was picked for the Champions Trophy as well.
Gill, who has been battling concerns with his batting form since the Australia Test series, was given a much-needed break after the Test series. He is now eager to make a comeback and make a statement and take on the new responsibilities.
Ahead of the first ODI in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6, Shubman Gill opened up on his vice-captaincy duties starting with the England series.  As India prepares for the three-match series—widely seen as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the young opener is not only focused on delivering with the bat, but also on evolving as a leader.
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“I take it as a challenge to lead my [own] way, firstly with my performance and then definitely in the field if Rohitbhai wants my opinion. It is my duty to let him know what my thoughts are,” he stated.
Gill was first given the vice-captaincy duties in the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year that India unfortunately lost. He spoke about his learning curve and the willingness to learn from the Indian thinktank.
"Just being part of the think-tank—understanding how GG [Gautam Gambhir] bhai thinks, how Rohit bhai thinks, the plans for certain batsmen and bowlers and how to take on certain opposition—is a big learning curve for me,” he added.
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No Toxicity With Abhishek, Jaiswal: Shubman Gill
In the same press conference, he spoke about giving longer rope to Indian players and brushed aside any competition with teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek Sharma. If all goes well, Gill will open the batting with Rohit Sharma in the ODI series and also in the Champions Trophy.
Gill also played down any notions of an unhealthy rivalry within the squad, particularly with emerging opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“Abhishek [Sharma]  is a childhood friend of mine. Jaiswal is also a friend. There is no toxic competition between us,” he remarked.
India plays the three ODIs against England on February 6, 9 and 12.
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