NEW DELHI: Skipper Shubman Gill’s early journey as an all-format player comes with the unique challenge of switching quickly between three versions of the sport, said former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara. He, however, expressed confidence that Gill has the maturity to rise to the occasion.

Gill recently led India in the ODIs in Australia and was deputy to Suryakumar Yadav in the T20s before returning to India for the two-match Test series against South Africa starting in Kolkata on Friday.

'Spinners will decide the match': Shubman Gill ahead of 1st Test against South Africa in Kolkata

"Someone like Shubman, who is still a young player, doesn’t really have a heavy physical workload. But mentally, it can be challenging," Pujara said during Media Day ahead of the first Test against the Proteas.

"He was recently in Australia leading the Indian one-day squad, then he played T20s, and now he suddenly has to switch from white-ball to red-ball cricket, not in Australia, but in India, where the conditions are completely different.

"His biggest challenge will be adjusting to different formats as quickly as possible. In Test cricket, you need temperament, patience and also need to adapt your game plan according to the format. Doing that quickly is always challenging for any top class player."

Pujara, however, backed Gill to handle the dual demands of captaincy and format transition, citing India’s recent performances in England and against the West Indies at home.

"But someone like him, who is young, maturing quickly, and already leading the team well, I’m sure he will respond positively. The Indian Test team’s recent form will also help him; they did exceptionally well in the West Indies and before that in England.

"Shubman, as captain, will gain confidence from that. They’re playing South Africa, who recently won the World Test Championship and remain a top side. It will be a competitive series, and I’m sure Shubman is looking forward to the challenge," he added.

Jurel will strengthen Indian batting lineup

After his twin centuries for India A in the recent four-day series against South Africa A, wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel is set to play the first Test in Kolkata despite the presence of Rishabh Pant, who is returning from injury sustained in England in July.

Pujara supported Jurel's inclusion to strengthen the middle order.

"Well, firstly the kind of form he is in, Dhruv Jurel definitely deserves a spot in the playing eleven. I believe he will bat at number six. The Indian top order will remain the same as what we saw in England, but the number six spot is open where Karun was batting," Pujara said.

"So I believe Dhruv will take that spot and bat at number six. Then, depending on the pitch, most likely it will be three spinners and two seamers. That’s how I see the team combination, and that’s how Jurel will fit into this playing eleven. His current form will definitely strengthen the Indian batting lineup."

Crucial for Sudharsan

Pujara said this series will be pivotal for No.3 batter Sai Sudharsan.

"Sai is a young player maturing very quickly. He has shown potential, but it is about converting starts into big scores. Once he gets that first century, his confidence will grow tremendously.

"It's not just about the number three spot. It’s also about proving that he belongs in this playing eleven. His batting position could change based on team requirements. As of now, yes, he will continue at number three, but if Jurel performs well, there might be adjustments."

The former India batter also highlighted the challenge posed by South Africa's spin trio of Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, and Keshav Maharaj.

"The pitch will play a major role. If it allows batters to score, it could still offer enough assistance for the spinners but won’t be a rank-turner," he said.

"South Africa has very good spinners and capable all-rounders, making them a tough team to beat."

Pujara stressed that top-order contributions would be vital for the Proteas to put pressure on India.

"South Africa have good all-rounders, but their batting will be crucial. Their spinners, Harmer and Maharaj, bring strong first-class experience and will bowl well. But for them to win a Test, they must put up big totals. If their batters score 350 to 400 on a good surface, they give themselves a real chance."

On Axar Patel, Pujara remarked, "It’s unfortunate because he is a quality player, but that’s the kind of depth India has at the moment. If Axar were playing for another country, he probably wouldn’t be left out of the eleven."

(With PTI Inputs)