As India gears up for the pivotal fourth Test at Old Trafford, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has thrown his support behind Shubman Gill’s on-field aggression during the fiery Lord’s Test, stating the young captain was standing up for his team. The third Test at Lord’s, with the series tied at 1-1, was an intense affair filled with drama and emotion and one of the most talked-about moments occurred late on Day 3 when Gill got involved in a heated exchange with England’s openers.
After India had equalled England’s first-innings total of 387, they looked to steal a couple of quick overs before stumps. But England opener Zak Crawley disrupted those plans by stepping away during Jasprit Bumrah’s run-up and later calling the physio for a hand concern—prompting visible frustration from Gill.
Shubman Gill, usually composed and mild-mannered, showed an uncharacteristic flash of emotion. This surprised many, including Ricky Ponting. Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ponting remarked, “That was a little out of character from what I’ve known from Shubman in the past. I’m sure those who’ve followed him closely would agree—that’s not usually how he reacts on the field.”
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But Ricky Ponting was quick to add that such moments often define leadership. “That’s a captain taking ownership,” he said. “He’s telling the world that it’s his team now, and this is how they’re going to play—by standing their ground and giving it back when needed.”
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Having captained Australia in England during the high-pressure Ashes tours of 2005 and 2009, Ricky Ponting knows the mental strain such series can exert. “Playing in England isn’t easy,” he explained. “The crowds can be extremely hostile. They love their cricket, but they also love getting into the heads of the opposition. And the media—especially during marquee series like England vs India—adds even more pressure.”
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Reflecting on the narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, Ricky Ponting believed Gill’s assertiveness was both timely and necessary. “I see this as him beginning to stamp his identity on the team. It reminds me of how Virat Kohli led—fiery, passionate, unwilling to take a backwards step. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, was more internal with his intensity, often channelling it through his teammates rather than the opposition.”
Ponting concluded by saying he appreciated Gill’s fire. “I enjoyed seeing Shubman stand up for what he believed was right. It’s part of becoming a leader—finding that voice and using it when the moment calls for it.”
