Shubman Gill’s journey as India’s Test captain began with a tough five-wicket defeat against England in the opening game of the five-Test series, but former head coach Ravi Shastri believes Gill deserves time and backing to establish himself as a leader. Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the selectors handed the young opener the reins of an evolving side — a transition Shastri feels must be handled with patience.
In the first Test at Headingley, Gill showed his class with a gritty century in the first innings. Despite that, India couldn’t hold off England on the final day, with the hosts successfully chasing down 371. Yet Ravi Shastri, who has seen Gill’s development closely, insisted the BCCI should stick with him for at least three years, irrespective of immediate results.
“I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. There’s that lazy elegance, that regal presence when he’s out there batting,” Ravi Shastri said, speaking to NDTV. “He’s matured a lot already — the way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses. Just let him grow in the role for three years. Don’t chop and change no matter what happens in this series. I think he will deliver.”
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India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna echoed Ravi Shastri’s confidence in Gill’s leadership. The pacer praised the 25-year-old skipper for managing the bowling unit smartly, ensuring breaks, reading the game well, and fostering a positive atmosphere in the dressing room despite the setback in Leeds.
“He rotated the bowlers nicely, made sure everyone got enough rest, and brought in the right guys at the right times,” Prasidh Krishna said. “He’s been speaking with us, ensuring we always have a plan, and the communication has been clear.”
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India have now begun training in Birmingham ahead of the second Test starting July 2 at Edgbaston. Trailing 0-1, Gill’s side knows the challenge that awaits them at a venue where India have never won a Test in eight attempts. The coming game will be another test of Gill’s leadership, as he aims to rally his young squad and level the series against a confident England outfit.
