Gautam Gambhir’s Insight on Shubman Gill’s Captaincy
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, recently showered praise on Shubman Gill, stating that the young leader has already conquered his toughest captaincy challenge during the Test series in England. Gambhir highlighted that Gill successfully earned the team’s respect by consistently ‘saying and doing the right things,’ a testament to his leadership during the recent Test victories.
Shubman Gill has "already passed his toughest test as captain in England," India head coach Gautam Gambhir affirmed recently.
Gambhir, who celebrated his 44th birthday on the same day India secured a Test series sweep over the West Indies (marking Gill’s first series win as captain), had multiple reasons for celebration. When asked about his approach to managing the 26-year-old, who has just been appointed ODI captain and is set to lead India in an away series against Australia this Sunday, Gambhir responded promptly and clearly.
"Simply by allowing him to be himself. I believe no one has done him a favor by appointing him as the Test or ODI captain. He absolutely deserves every bit of it," Gambhir stated.
He continued, "He has worked incredibly hard. He has already navigated his most formidable test as captain – that was in England, a grueling five-Test series away from home, in challenging conditions against a formidable opponent." Gambhir referred to the intensely fought series which concluded in a 2-2 draw, with every match fiercely contested over five days.
Leading in such a high-stakes assignment that stretched over more than two months, it’s hard to imagine a tougher initiation for Gill, Gambhir asserted. "I know it was tough for him… and I’ve said it many times, that England was likely his toughest Test. Five Test matches over two, two and a half months, against a top-tier England side. What more could he possibly have faced?" he pondered.
Gambhir further emphasized, "Sometimes we focus solely on the captain, but the team’s response to his leadership is equally crucial."
Gill exemplified leadership by scoring an impressive 754 runs during the England tour. Gambhir noted that despite his youth, the star batsman possesses clear communication skills. "You must commend the entire group in that dressing room. Respect is earned not just by scoring runs, but also by speaking and acting correctly. Your actions, I believe, speak louder than anything else, not just your performances. He has performed exceptionally, and so has the team," Gambhir commented.
Regarding India’s overall prospects in the current World Test Championship cycle, Gambhir clarified that he isn’t preoccupied with the 2027 final. "For me, looking ahead to the World Test Championship final in 2027 is still a long, long way off. Staying focused on the present is paramount. It was vital for us to secure this home series win. More importantly, we have a very packed schedule ahead. Hopefully, we can maintain this momentum."
On a lighter note, when asked if he would consider a mental conditioning coach or trainer to support Gill, who is anticipated to be an all-format captain moving forward, the usually composed Gambhir cracked a smile. "First and foremost, I need one myself," he quipped. "When the team is winning, everyone feels good, but when they’re not, it’s my job to ensure they remain in a positive frame of mind."
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