New India Test captain Shubman Gill is facing scrutiny over his increasingly aggressive on-field behavior, with former cricketer Manoj Tiwary suggesting he’s trying to imitate Virat Kohli, a move Tiwary believes is hindering Gill’s performance.
Gill’s Fiery Approach Under Fire
The spotlight recently fell on Shubman Gill during the third Test against England at Lord’s. Tempers flared on Day 3 when English opener Zak Crawley was perceived to be time-wasting, leading to a heated exchange with Gill.
Typically known for his calm demeanor, Gill was visibly furious during the incident. This aggressive display marks a shift for the young captain, who has reportedly shown more animated behavior since taking on leadership roles in the IPL.
Manoj Tiwary Weighs In
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has joined the growing list of critics expressing concern over Gill’s new approach. Tiwary believes Gill is attempting to replicate Virat Kohli’s aggressive style, which he feels is counterproductive.
“I don’t like the way captain Gill is going about things. I think he is trying to copy what Virat did last time. And as a result, it is not helping his batting,” Tiwary stated, as quoted by SportsBoom.
Tiwary highlighted that this aggressive mindset, including animated chats with umpires, is unlike the Gill he knew. He stressed that such outward aggression isn’t necessary for Gill to prove himself.
Aggression Without Words?
Tiwary suggested that a captain can lead aggressively without resorting to verbal altercations. He believes that excessive aggression can drain energy and distract from the game itself.
“I know a captain should lead from the front, but this much aggression is not required. It takes your energy away,” Tiwary explained. He added that true aggression can be shown by winning matches, not just through verbal comebacks.
He further lamented the impact on team performance, noting that India “could have easily led the series 2-1” had it not been for such incidents.
The Language Debate
Beyond the general aggression, Tiwary also expressed deep dissatisfaction with the language being used during on-field altercations. He finds the words audible near the stumps concerning, especially coming from representatives of the Indian cricket team.
“I am not happy with the language and words that are coming in the audio when they are near the stumps. You are representing the Indian cricket team,” he emphasized. Tiwary believes that while previous captains might have used similar words, this trend needs to be reined in to prevent it from influencing the next generation of cricketers and fans.
- Shubman Gill’s on-field aggression has noticeably increased since taking on captaincy roles, including heated exchanges.
- Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary suggests Gill is attempting to imitate Virat Kohli’s style, which Tiwary believes negatively impacts Gill’s batting.
- Tiwary also raised concerns about the use of inappropriate language during on-field altercations, highlighting its potential negative influence on younger players.
The comments from Tiwary underscore a broader conversation about leadership, on-field conduct, and the image cricketers project as representatives of their country.
