India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill has appeared in the most number of games, international and IPL included, in 2025. The 26-year-old has participated in 15 T20 matches in the IPL and 31 international games overall. Additionally, he has leadership positions in every format.
Gill has participated in every bilateral and multinational series for India since February, and despite his constant playing, there haven't been many worries about how he handles his workload.
Gill deserves praise for keeping up his fitness and form in all formats. He acknowledges that it can be mentally taxing to continually transition between formats and time zones.
“I’m still trying to figure out how to balance playing across three formats. Since the Asia Cup, it’s been a packed schedule—playing back-to-back matches and switching formats regularly. I’m still learning what works best for me in terms of performance and consistency," Gill said during a pre-match presser before the 1st Test in Kolkata.
“The challenge is more mental than physical. Of course, there’s jet lag and travel fatigue after touring Australia, but physically, I feel fine. It’s more about staying mentally sharp. It’s a good challenge and also a great learning curve for me," he added.
Being captain in Tests and ODIs and vice-captain in T20Is, Shubman Gill said that he tries to separate his batting from his captaincy responsibilities.
“In terms of my own preparation, I focus mainly on how I can succeed as a batter. Once I’m out there as captain, I like to back my instincts—that’s when I make my best tactical decisions. When I’m batting, I consciously think like a batter, not as a captain," Gill said.
Gill believes that adaptation is an essential part of a professional cricketer’s career.
“Turning around in just four or five days, coming from another country, and shifting formats is mentally challenging. The body needs to adapt, and playing Test cricket in India brings its own unique demands. It’s both mentally and physically testing. But as professional cricketers, we know what’s required—how we respond to these challenges defines us," he said.
Gill also discussed his relationship with Eden Gardens, where he started his IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“I have a lot of good memories here. My IPL journey started at this venue, and every time I come back, it feels a bit like playing at the PCA Stadium in Punjab. The last Test we played here was a pink-ball match, which was also my first Test at Eden Gardens. It’s always a great honor to lead the country here," he said.
The first Test between India and South Africa begins on November 14 in Kolkata.
(PTI inputs)
