"Kuldeep is someone who always keeps you in the game, irrespective of the conditions" - Shubman Gill lauds ace spinner after West Indies whitewash

Published - 14 Oct 2025, 13:20 IST | Updated - 14 Oct 2025, 14:26 IST

Shubman Gill was understandably thrilled after registering his first series win as Test captain on Tuesday, October 14. Under his astute leadership, the Asian giants whitewashed the West Indies after registering a seven-wicket win in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

After the victory, Shubman praised his teammates for putting in an all-round performance in both Tests against the Caribbean side. Speaking about his own batting, Shubman, who notched up one fifty and one century in the series, said that he is not getting bogged down by the pressure of expectations.

“Definitely, a very pleasing feeling. I think the way we played in both matches in all departments was commendable. We turned it around pretty nicely. In terms of batting, I'm really enjoying my time out there and not really thinking too much about expectations, pressure, and all of those things. I just want to go out there and enjoy what I've been doing since I was a kid," Gill said on Amul Cricket Live.

The Punjab batter mentioned that he is embracing the responsibility that comes with being the captain of the Indian team.

“Being involved in some of the key decisions is something that I really like, and I think it brings out the best in me. And that's what's happening. I enjoy responsibility. I like to be 'the guy' out there, and I think it's been helping me," Shubman stated.

Shubman highlighted Kuldeep Yadav's ability to excel in all conditions. The left-arm wrist spinner finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series. He won the Player of the Match award in the second Test after picking up five wickets in the first innings and three in the second.

“I am extremely happy with Kuldeep. He's someone who's always been a strike bowler for us. And you're always tempted, in whatever conditions you play, to play a wrist spinner, especially someone like Kuldeep. But sometimes you have to weigh your options, whether you want to go with an extra all-rounder or a wrist spinner. He's someone who always keeps you in the game, no matter what kind of surface you're playing on," the 26-year-old said.

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Shubman also shared his views on switching from one format to another in quick time. India recently played in the T20 Asia Cup, winning the title on September 28. The two-match Test series against the West Indies started on October 2. The Men in Blue will now play a three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19.

“From the Asia Cup to this Test series, it was a very quick turnaround. We finished the Asia Cup, and in the next two or three days, we were playing a Test match. That was new for me. But I think going back to the basics of a particular format is something that works for me. Whenever you're switching formats, knowing what the basics and the foundation of that format are is something I go back to, and I think that works for me," Shubman stated.