Young Indian team capable of achieving something special on England tour if it believes: de Villiers

AB de Villiers believes India's young talent can shine in England Test series, emphasizing the need for self-belief and responsibility.

India’s young guns have the talent to achieve something special in the upcoming England Test series, provided they back themselves, said AB de Villiers in Mumbai on Saturday (May 31, 2025), adding that it’s time for the new generation to step up.

With the 25-year-old Shubman Gill at the helm, India will start a new cycle of the World Test Championship with a five-Test tour of England next month without their seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both announced their retirement recently.

Also read: Editorial on Captain’s exit | On Rohit Sharma’s retirement and the Indian cricket team

India will also miss the services of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired during last year's tour of Australia, and senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who was not selected for this tour owing to his lack of fitness for the conventional format.

“Yes, it’s time for the younger guys to step up... Shubman Gill is taking on the responsibility,” de Villiers told the media on the sidelines of a NGO Project Mumbai event.

Also read: In pictures: Rohit Sharma hangs his boots from Tests

“There’s lots of talent in India and largely credit to the IPL for that; (it is) really giving great exposure to some of the youngsters at a very early age,” he added.