Em sua primeira tarefa, Gill parece estar melhorando como capitão de teste da Índia após cada partida de teste, mas ele está longe de ser um grande líder ainda.
Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli are larger than life figures. All three are credited with changing Indian cricket for the good. Taking over as India’s Test captain from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill has to fill in big shoes. It isn’t just about winning matches but maintaining a standard set by them.
The opinions on how Gill has done are split. But an honest observer would say that he’ll gotten better as the India vs England Test series progresses. The 26-year-old is learning on the job, like most new international captains do. But that doesn’t mean that no criticism is warranted.
Gill to blame for Jadeja’s approach
Former Indian head coach Greg Chappell thinks that Gill’s indecision probably costed India the Lord’s Test. He feels that there was a lack of clarity during India’s fourth innings chase. Chappell especially points out how Ravindra Jadeja batted with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
“The Lord’s Test also provided a telling moment with the way Jadeja was managed late in the match. Left with the tail, Jadeja did what many specialist batters do in that situation: he shielded the tail, farmed the strike, and played conservatively. On the surface, it was a disciplined innings. But was it the right one?
The truth is, Jadeja was the only recognised batter left. If India were to chase down the target, he had to take calculated risks. His job wasn’t to leave balls and collect singles – it was to win the match. That clarity should have come from the dressing room, from the captain. He needed to be told directly: ‘You are the man who has to get this done. The tail’s job is to hang in there with you, but you must go for the win.’
And this is where Gill’s leadership challenge becomes very real. He must start setting those expectations – clearly, proactively, and consistently. Gill must define what sort of team he wants India to be. The captain sets the tone – not just with words, but with actions, clarity of purpose, and visible standards,” he wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.
Clarity needed
We saw under Kohli’s leadership that India would always go for the win. Be it chasing 400 or defending 150. Chappell feels Gill has to let individual know that brand of cricket the team wants to play under him and what role they have to play in it.
“He must identify the core group of players he trusts, lay out a clear game plan, and communicate individual roles within it. Every player should know what is expected of them and where they fit in. Great captains are great communicators. Gill must become one – and quickly. Whether it’s at training, in the middle or in the dressing room during a break – clear, calm communication is essential. His bat can’t always do the talking. He must learn to speak in a way that aligns the group, encourages belief, and creates trust. He also needs to enunciate the right approach. Batters must be told to play positively and bat in partnerships,” Chappell added.
Manchester to ‘Test’ Gill
Going 1-2 down after being in a winning position in all three games won’t be an easy pill to swallow. Gill can’t be despondent. He can’t let emotions take over. He must continue to do the talking with his bat and then back it up with his actions.
“The Old Trafford Test is shaping to be the biggest examination yet for Gill – not just as a batter, but as a leader. He’s learning on the job, but the timeline is not generous. He must bring composure, clarity, and confidence to a side that desperately needs it. And he must do it now.
That doesn’t mean he can’t show emotion. In fact, his passion on the field at Lord’s was good to see. But actions like getting into Zak Crawley’s face over time-wasting only matter if they are backed up by the hard work done behind the scenes. A captain earns the right to be loud when he’s already done the quiet work of planning, uniting, and inspiring his group.
If Gill wants to become a great Test captain, this is his moment to stamp his authority. Not just with the bat, but with his leadership. Set the standard. Demand it of others. Pick your team. Back them. And make sure every man knows what is expected and hold them to it.
If Gill can lead with clarity of thought and strength of purpose, he won’t just shape this series, he’ll shape the future of Indian cricket,” Chappell concluded.
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