Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsement of Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain — and his nuanced advice to both Gill and Rishabh Pant — offers a powerful blend of experience, mentorship, and insight at a pivotal time for Indian cricket. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and implications: 🧠 Tendulkar’s Core Message to Shubman Gill: “Shut the doors to the outside noise.” This is not just emotional encouragement — it's strategic mental conditioning. Tendulkar knows from personal experience that captaincy in India is a furnace. He’s urging Gill to: Stay anchored in internal team plans and dressing room conversations. Block out external judgments about tactics, body language, or aggression levels. Trust in the process over perception. 🗣️ "Only the dressing room will have that honour. No one else will have that." That sentiment captures Tendulkar’s conviction that leadership cannot be crowdsourced. 🧢 On Gill’s Batting Role at No. 4: Tendulkar, Kohli... and now Gill. The No. 4 position is hallowed in Indian cricket. Tendulkar’s endorsement – "He has earned that spot because people have faith in him" – places responsibility in Gill’s hands, not as pressure, but as validation. ✍️ Perspective: Tendulkar batted 275 times at No. 4 and scored nearly 13.5K runs. He’s not romanticizing the spot, but instead grounding it: “Even No. 11 has a role. The number doesn’t define the responsibility — commitment does.” 🏏 Advice to Indian Batters in England: Tendulkar’s technical observations are gold for young batters touring England: Respect the conditions: Overhead weather. The wind (rarely discussed but crucial in swing-friendly venues). The pitch (variable bounce and seam movement). Solid front-foot defence is the bedrock: Keep hands close to the body to avoid edging. Play the ball late and under the eyes. Don’t chase swing — let it come to you. This reflects Tendulkar’s own success in England (average: 54.31), especially during his masterful 1996 and 2002 tours. 🔥 On Rishabh Pant: Pant remains the team’s x-factor — and Tendulkar wants him to trust his instincts, but with awareness: Back your game when the situation allows. Curb natural instincts when the match demands grit or restraint. Strike a balance between intent and judgement, not just flair. 📌 “Be positive, but the shot selection will come into play.” That’s vintage Tendulkar — aggressive cricket with disciplined decision-making. 🧭 Big Picture: What This Means for India Gill’s leadership will be scrutinized from Day 1, but support from icons like Tendulkar provides a cushion of credibility. Pant’s maturity could define how India stabilizes a batting lineup missing Rohit and Kohli. Tendulkar’s 3-1 series prediction shows confidence in the team’s potential, but it hinges on Gill’s ability to: Lead without distraction, Trust his bat at No. 4, And manage the younger core against a tricky England bowling unit in home conditions.