Gautam Gambhir: Give Shubman Gill time rather than putting pressure on him

Shubman GIll in action during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Picture/ AFP

Former cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir recently talked about the upcoming Test series between India and England and being an opener during his cricket days, had some important inputs for India's batting side.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Game Plan, former Team India opener Gautam Gambhir shared his thoughts ahead of England's tour of India that gets underway with the 1st Test in Chennai from February 5th, "England, coming after a successful series against Sri Lanka, it's not going to be the same. Obviously, India's a far better side than Sri Lanka, but then England is a quality side as well. So, India needs to be at its best, but at the same time, India will be high on confidence, especially after what they did in Australia was historic, but I am looking forward to this series."

Gautam Gambhir also weighed in if Shubman Gill should partner with Rohit Sharma at the top ahead of the series, "See, he should be opening with Rohit Sharma, no doubt about it, but let's not jump the gun. You just can't put someone really high up there. Yes, he's got the talent, but he needs to keep his head down, because international cricket can be tough! Yes, you had a honeymoon start to your international career. It can't be better than this. Playing in Australia, winning this series with a young side, you've done really well, you batted beautifully. No doubt about it, but let's give him time as well and let him develop on its own, rather than putting too much of pressure and putting too much of expectations on him."

Q: Are we certain that this is the pair, barring any injuries……fingers crossed. Is this the pair that's batting/ opening in all the eight innings?
Gautam Gambhir: 100 percent!

The Indian cricket team recently returned home following their tour of Australia where they defeated the hosts 2-1 in a historic Test series. India will play England in a four-match Test series at home with the first Test in Chennai on February 5.