The former Cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared a piece of advice to the newly appointed India’s test captain Shubman Gill ahead of the five-match Test series against England.

He said that he should create a pack of wolves around him, as India is set to play without the services of Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli.

Speaking ahead of the test series, Aakash Chopra has said that Shubman Gill needs to create a core group whom he could trust to get input from.

Aakash Chopra has named Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj among the possible candidates who could become the new leadership group in the Indian team.

Speaking on the media, Aakash Chopra said, “Form a leadership group—bring 4–5 players together and build a core. Include Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Create a pack of wolves.”

“These are the guys who’ll be with you today, in six months, and five years down the line. With a young team, it’s important that the captain grows with the group,” added former cricketer.

“Seniors and juniors often have different routines and circles—but with this new-look team, you have a chance to build a collective culture. It’s a rare opportunity to create a bond and a story that the entire nation will be proud of,” said Aakash Chopra.

The Indian team will begin their new World Test Championship cycle with the series against England.

In the three edition of the WTC, India have qualified for the final twice, once under Virat Kohli and then under Rohit Sharma.

Chopra also added that batter could take inspiration from Virat Kohli and find his own spot in the batting order, instead of feeling pressurised to take the No.4 spot, one that Kohli recently vacated.

“You can take inspiration from Virat Kohli’s success, his hunger for runs, his leadership—but not necessarily his batting number. That’s a very individual choice. Similarly, Shubman should play where he contributes best,” added Chopra.

“Batting position isn’t about copying someone—it’s about where you fit in the team and how it benefits the side. Learn from Kohli’s mindset, play with an extra bowler if needed. That’s what leaders do—make sacrifices for the team,” concluded Aakash Chopra.

With the India’s playing 11 is yet to be revealed, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, would take up the role once again.

The first match of the England-India series will be played between June 20 and 24 at HeadingleyCarnegie.