Ravi Shastri urged the BCCI and team management to support Shubman Gill, stating he would be disappointed if the youngster doesn’t succeed as India’s Test captain.
Ravi Shastri Backs Shubman Gill for Long-Term Leadership Role
Shubman Gill’s first Test as captain may have started with a defeat, but former India head coach Ravi Shastri remains confident in the youngster’s potential for greatness. In a conversation with Wisden, Shastri expressed strong support for Gill, who stepped into the leadership role amid the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as India went 1-0 down in the five-match series against England following a five-wicket loss at Headingley.
Despite the setback, Shastri praised Gill’s temperament and class, calling him a player with “languid, lazy elegance” and a “regal” presence at the crease. He emphasized that with time, exposure, and adaptability, Gill could become a key figure in Indian cricket’s future.
Shastri also lauded Gill’s maturity off the field. “The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses—he’s matured a lot,” he said. Calling for stability and patience from selectors, Shastri urged the BCCI to back Gill through the transition phase. “Let him be there for three years. Don’t chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you.”
Confident with the bat
Even as Shubman Gill’s leadership came under scrutiny following India’s loss in the opening Test, the young skipper remained composed at the crease. He launched his captaincy tenure with an assured century in the first innings at Headingley, offering a glimpse of his class under pressure. Although he couldn’t replicate the same impact in the second innings, Gill’s batting form suggested that the added responsibility of captaincy hadn’t rattled his confidence.
However, his tactical acumen as captain drew criticism. During the final session of Day 5, as England chased a daunting 371-run target, it was KL Rahul who appeared to be orchestrating field placements. This gave the impression that Gill was leaning on senior players for support in crucial moments, raising questions about his readiness to lead in high-pressure scenarios.