Shubman Gill’s marathon batting display during India’s hard-fought 2-2 series draw in England silenced his critics and stamped his authority as one of the team’s biggest positives from the challenging tour. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar hailed the young skipper’s remarkable form, which not only lifted his own reputation but also played a decisive role in shaping the series outcome.

Facing the Ben Stokes-led Bazball assault, Gill delivered a batting masterclass, compiling scores of 147, 269, 161, and 103 to finish with a staggering 754 runs — the second-highest tally by an Indian in a Test series, behind only Sunil Gavaskar’s legendary 774 during the 1971 West Indies tour.

This run-scoring spree was a vindication of the faith shown by the selectors and Ajit Agarkar, who had backed Gill to lead the Test side despite scepticism over his mid-30s average. By guiding India to memorable wins at Edgbaston and The Oval, Gill proved that leadership pressure only sharpened his batting focus.

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Bangar believes Gill’s foundation for success was laid in the very first Test at Headingley, where his century settled early nerves. “This was the first time he got a full series in England, and that helps immensely as a batter,” Sanjay Bangar told ESPNcricinfo. “A strong start quietens all doubts. India’s top order scoring heavily in that opener was critical. Gill’s big knocks in the first four innings erased all questions about his captaincy affecting his batting.”

Bangar also pointed out that Gill’s leadership skills grew significantly over the five-match battle. “From the first Test to day five of the final game, there was clear improvement. Gill’s progression as a leader was a massive plus for India.”

Gill’s tactical acumen was on full display during the tense finale at The Oval. With England chasing and the game in the balance, he resisted the temptation to take the second new ball. That decision allowed Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to exploit reverse swing with the old ball, a move that resulted in a dramatic six-run victory, sealing India’s share of the series and underlining Gill’s maturity.

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In the end, this tour wasn’t just about the runs Gill scored; it was about a young captain coming of age, earning the respect of teammates, fans, and critics alike. His blend of resilience, tactical sharpness, and sheer batting brilliance has now positioned him as a cornerstone of India’s Test future.