Shubman Gill has paid tribute to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, suggesting they have shown the way to follow, after being named India's new Test captain.

Gill was announced as Rohit's successor on Saturday after both he and Kohli retired from that specific format, with both having the two best win percentages as captains.

"I have always been inspired by the greats and legends of Indian cricket," said Gill, as quoted by BBC Sport. "I have been very fortunate to play with so many of them.

"Both were contrasting in terms of their style but inspiring to see them work towards a common goal."

Gill was chosen as the new captain over bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who had been vice-captain under Rohit.

His first series in his new role begins on June 20 with the five-Test series in England.

"I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity, and I think the upcoming series in England is going to be a very exciting one," Gill said.

"I believe in leading by example, not just by my performance but, off the field, by my discipline and hard work.

"As a captain, a leader should be able to know when to step in, but also when to give space to the players. Because everyone has had a different life and grown up differently, everyone has a different personality."

Say Hello to #TeamIndia's newest Test Captain @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/OkBmNZT5M0

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 24, 2025

Under Kohli, India remained unbeaten in home series, while also claiming famous series wins in Australia.

Rohit, meanwhile, took them to the 2023 World Test Championship, where they were beaten by the Baggy Greens.

"Virat was very aggressive and wanting to lead from the front," Gill added. "Rohit was also aggressive, but you might not see that from his expression. He was someone calm and tactically very present. He was very communicative to the players.

"Rohit, Virat and Ashwin [retired off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin] have given us a blueprint on how to tour away from home and win matches and series."