Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on his conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding Shubman Gill’s workload.
Gill sustained a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. While the Indian captain was retired hurt on 4 in the first innings, he wasn’t able to bat in the second essay.
The 26-year-old was initially suspected to have picked up a mild sprain, but it turned out to be a bit more serious and required specialist intervention at a hospital in Kolkata. His participation in the second Test remains uncertain as of now.
As Gill is racing against time to be fit for the second Test in Guwahati, there have been conversations regarding his workload as he’s now been appointed captain of both Test and ODI teams.
Recently, Chopra touched the topic and revealed a conversation he had with Gambhir on this subject.
"I asked this question to Gautam before the Test match against the West Indies. His point was that if you need workload management, then skip the IPL. If you don't want to lead because leading the IPL team puts too much pressure, then don't lead. And while playing for India, if you are fit, you are not mentally fatigued,” Chopra told PTI.
Chopra endorsed Gambhir’s views, citing that batters should make the most of their good form and play as much as they can.
"And as a batter, I can also second the opinion that when you are going through a good form, you really want to maximise. Because you never know when the bad form hits you and where the next one is going to come from. So, if there is no fitness concern per se and if there is no mental burnout concern that is very individual-specific, you stay with them and you play as much as you can, as often as you can," he added.
Notably, Shubman Gill returned to the T20I fold as vice-captain during the Asia Cup 2025 in September. He is being seen as the future all format leader of the national side. However, with Gill already shouldering the responsibility of Gujarat Titans’ captaincy in the IPL, it will be tough for the star batter to manage his workload throughout the year.
