Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy debut as India’s new Test captain was not smooth, with the side losing by five wickets against England on the opening day of the series in Leeds’ Headingley. Though Gill had scored a hundred in the game, his captaincy was questioned when India let slip a strong position on Day 4 of the game to allow England to snatch a victory from a draw or even an Indian victory.
Captaincy in leading the side against English conditions was always going to be a tough ask, and cricket pundits and ex-players have not been afraid of their words while analyzing the captaincy demeanor of Gill. Among them was the voice of former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, who made comparisons with India’s greatest-ever Test skipper, Virat Kohli.
Manjrekar Draws Kohli Comparison
On Star Sports, Manjrekar pointed out a lack of aggression in the field placements by Gill, particularly during the key moments in the game. He explained that the defensive strategy, more so under overcast weather, played into the hands of England.
“The ball wasn’t doing much, but India laid defensive fields as if they were already looking ahead to England’s counterattack,” Manjrekar said. “I don’t want to compare him with Virat Kohli – it is unfair to the young man but you can just imagine what Kohli would’ve done with that moment.”
Manjrekar highlighted that Kohli’s signature as a captain was his observable intensity and his tendency to place pressure on the opposition. “Kohli would’ve displayed intent to take wickets, whether wickets fell or not. Gill is a different personality type and not that kind of captain. But even then, you don’t want to become too defensive and start anticipating things.”
A New Era Begins
Gill has assumed the Test captaincy in the wake of Rohit Sharma’s retirement earlier this year. Kohli, prior to Rohit, had led the team to a historic period, winning 40 out of 68 games – the most from any Indian skipper in the format. His leadership was characterized by high energy levels, audacious decisions, and an unrelenting emphasis on victory.
Now, it is the turn of a significantly younger leader in Gill, with Rishabh Pant being named the vice-captain. While Gill’s batting talent is beyond doubt, leadership cred is yet to come his way. With four Tests to go in the series, there is the onus on the young skipper to learn fast and come back with both strategic enhancements and results on the field.
India will seek to rebound in the second Test at Edgbaston, and everyone’s eye will be on the way Gill readjusts his style under increasing pressure of expectations.
