Former England captain Nasser Hussain has praised Shubman Gill’s evolving leadership, noting a significant shift in his on-field presence during India’s historic win at Edgbaston. According to Hussain, Gill appeared far more assertive and in control compared to the opening Test at Headingley, reflecting a growing confidence in his captaincy style.
India’s emphatic 336-run win not only leveled the five-match series 1-1, but also showcased their all-round dominance. While Gill led from the front with scores of 269 and 161, the bowling unit delivered in style. Akash Deep was the star with a match haul of 10 wickets—including his maiden five-for—while Mohammed Siraj chipped in with seven wickets across both innings.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Nasser Hussain observed, “I do think he was more visible. At Headingley, it felt like there were too many voices. You wondered—who’s actually in charge? But at Edgbaston, there was no doubt. You could see Gill moving the field, taking control. Of course, he still gets input from experienced players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, but it was clear he was the one making the calls.”
ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra Slams England’s Bazball After India’s Historic Edgbaston Triumph
Hussain also noted the contrast between Gill’s calm demeanor and the more animated style of some past Indian captains. “Shubman is always going to be composed. He’s not going to be a Virat Kohli-type figure. His heartbeat stays low—even in big moments—and sometimes that’s exactly what a team needs.”
He highlighted a subtle moment from Day 5, when Shubman Gill opted to switch Akash Deep’s bowling end despite convention.
The former English skipper added, “Akash Deep had been excellent, and we all expected him to continue from the same end. But Gill changed it up—it’s small, but it shows he’s thinking.”
ALSO READ: AB de Villiers Recalls MS Dhoni’s Intimidating Brilliance on His 44th Birthday
With both the bat and his captaincy, Shubman Gill stamped his authority at Edgbaston. If this is the beginning of his Test captaincy arc, India may have found a leader with the perfect blend of clarity, calm, and conviction.
