A new chapter has begun in Indian Test cricket. After Rohit Sharma's retirement, Shubman Gill was given the captaincy of India's Test team. He got this responsibility in the first Test played against England in Leeds. But Gill's captaincy could not start with a win. India had to face defeat in that match. Still, this beginning was important in many ways because Gill is now standing at the point where the direction of the future is decided. Young face, new responsibility and a big stage—everything brought this change in the headlines.
What did Ravi Shastri say about Shubman Gill?
Former Team India Head Coach and current commentator, Ravi Shastri has said big things about Gill. He made it clear that Gill now looks more mature than before. His way of speaking in the press conference, his confidence at the time of toss, everything looks different from before. Shastri believes that Gill should be allowed to remain the captain for at least three years. Whatever the result of the ongoing series against England, there is no time to change the captain again and again.
Shastri also added that if Gill gets enough time and support, he will make a big contribution to the team. According to him, Gill has a different charm. His style of playing is calm but impressive, and he brings a royal pause while batting. If the 25-year-old adapts himself according to the circumstances, he can become a permanent name. It is clear from Shastri's words that he considers Gill not just a batsman but a horse for the long race.
“He’s matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences and tosses, he’s matured a lot. 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,” Shastri told Wisden.
“I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element of being regal out there when he’s batting. If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that’s the one name I can see,” Shastri added.
Opinion:
The most important thing at this time is to give Gill time. It would be wrong to put the burden of results on a young player as soon as he is given the captaincy. There was a defeat in Leeds, but one match cannot be the measure of the full ability of any captain. The selectors should be patient with Gill and not make the mistake of changing the captain again and again.
The team should also respect Gill's decisions and give him the same space that some veterans got earlier. It is also important that Gill himself keeps introspecting and keeps taking advice from senior players. Captaincy is not limited to making decisions on the field; it is also a role of continuous learning and maintaining balance. If Gill gets this environment, he can emerge as a strong captain in the coming years. Test cricket requires stability and thinking, and perhaps it is time for India to embrace this change for the long term.
