India, Jan. 9 -- Shubman Gill faces a major challenge as he looks to steer India's Test side back on course following a bruising 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa. The setback was made tougher by Gill's own misfortune during the series. Slated to lead the team, he suffered a neck injury in the opening Test that ruled him out of the remainder of the contest. Gill was forced to retire hurt after sustaining the blow in the first innings and did not take the field again, missing the second innings altogether. He also went on to miss the second Test as India suffered an embarrassing whitewash at home.

Meanwhile, Gill is looking to take decisive steps in his role as Test captain to get Indian cricket back on track. The India skipper belie...