Debasis Sen in London
Shubman Gill was in red-hot form with the bat, finishing top of the run-scoring charts in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England. The series, which ended in a draw, showcased Gill’s exceptional ability and leadership, as he notched up four centuries while making 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40. Despite a rare failure in the final Test at The Oval, where he managed only 21 and 11, his overall performance was nothing short of remarkable.
Gill’s batting brilliance was matched by his calm leadership in what was his first major assignment as Test captain. While some of his on-field decisions, particularly during the matches at Lord’s and Manchester, came under scrutiny, overall, he showed composure and promise. Leading a young team in transition – without senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – Gill displayed maturity beyond his years. The retirement of three senior players meant added responsibility, including managing the workload of his best bowler, while also pushing to improve his own numbers.
Gill started the series with an incredible 585 runs in two Tests, and Sourav Ganguly had told RevSportz then that tougher times lay ahead. “This is the best I’ve seen him bat and I’m not surprised,” said Ganguly, who led India in 49 Tests. “He has just become captain, it’s a honeymoon period. But there would be more pressure with time. The pressure will build in the next three Tests.”
It did. His second-innings failure at Lord’s played a big part in India’s failure to chase down 192, but he redeemed himself with a magnificent back-to-the-wall hundred at Old Trafford as India battled to a draw from a hopeless situation. And though two starts were squandered at The Oval, he didn’t let the batting failures impact his decision-making at crucial phases on the fourth and final days.
A pivotal moment in Gill’s journey was his stint with Glamorgan in the 2022 County Championship. Spending a month in South Wales and playing four matches helped shape his red-ball game and leadership credentials. The experience proved invaluable, as he returned with greater discipline and clarity, which reflected in both his runs and decisions on the field during this high-stakes series.
The doubts that surrounded his appointment, particularly questions over his consistency and form in SENA countries, have now been firmly silenced. Having started the series with a batting average hovering around 35, Gill delivered under pressure and earned rave reviews from some of his predecessors.
“In my three decades of playing and watching cricket in the UK, this is one of the best exhibitions of batting that I have seen,” said Ganguly to RevSportz in the build-up to Lord’s. “He is simply flawless…He was always pleasing to the eye. And now he is showing the hunger and the temperament.”
His ability to take on the opposition and adapt also showed a new, more assertive side of his personality. While it’s clear that he still has much to learn as a leader, Gill’s approach has been encouraging. He appeared assured, open to learning, and resilient under pressure.
His support for teammates and the way he handled pressure situations was particularly commendable. “These India players are tough cookies,” said Geoffrey Boycott – not an easy man to please – after the great escape in Manchester. “They do not take a backward step.”
Though tougher tests lie ahead – more overseas tours, dressing room management, and the inevitable lean phases – Gill’s first major outing as captain has seen a strong statement made. This series will be remembered not just for the runs he scored, but for the way a young leader began to carve his own path. The Oval win, after being down and out at tea on the fourth day, could be the making of this team and captain, much like Eden Gardens in 2001 gave Ganguly the authority to lead Indian cricket into one of its most successful eras.
“He began this series with the reputation of a white-ball virtuoso still waiting to master the red,” said The Guardian newspaper. “He will head to its conclusion with more records in danger, confirmation that he belongs at No 4, continuing the great lineage. Before him, Virat Kohli, before him, Sachin.”
There really is no greater praise.
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