Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has offered advice to Shubman Gill ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23. With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, this match is a must-win to stay alive in the contest.
Writing for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell stressed that leadership and team unity are more important than relying on individual brilliance.
“India have won plenty of Tests without [Bumrah] recently. The key is not individual brilliance, it’s collective performance… Teams win when everyone does their job,” Chappell wrote, urging fans and critics not to focus solely on Bumrah’s inclusion.
He also called on Gill to rise to the occasion, both as a batsman and a leader. “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,” he added.
India Eyeing Series Comeback as Bumrah Returns
Ahead of the England tour, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah would only feature in three of the five Tests due to workload management. He played the first Test, sat out the second, and returned for the third at Lord’s, where he earned a place on the honours board for his performance.
Despite Bumrah’s strong display in the third Test, India suffered a narrow loss, allowing England to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Ironically, India’s only win so far came in the second Test—without Bumrah—thanks to standout performances from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
As India prepares for the fourth Test, the team faces mounting pressure to deliver a balanced and united performance. A win at Manchester is the only way to keep the series alive before the fifth and final Test at The Oval.
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