Young Indian captain Shubman Gill is making his mark on the Test arena, demonstrating an independent leadership style free from external interference, a stark contrast to previous perceptions.
Gill Steps Up: A Captain Unafraid to Lead
During the recent Test series in England, all eyes were on Shubman Gill’s captaincy. Unlike his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans, where coach Ashish Nehra’s constant presence sparked “remote control” rumors, here in England, Gill appears to be firmly in charge.
The dressing room, it seems, has only one remote: the one for the television. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has maintained a hands-off approach, allowing Gill to make crucial on-field decisions without overt prompts.
A “Team by Committee” Approach
While Gill leads, he isn’t alone. He actively seeks and receives counsel from his senior players like vice-captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. Even Mohammed Siraj chips in with advice, highlighting a collaborative environment.
Commentators have noted this as Gill “running the team by committee.” This collaborative spirit is evident in on-field banter and discussions, fostering a supportive team dynamic.
Empowering the Skipper: Coach & Selectors Back Gill
A significant factor in Gill’s autonomy is the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and selectors. Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar have consciously avoided micro-managing.
Reports even suggest Gill had a substantial say in team selection, notably opting for an all-rounder over Kuldeep Yadav. This demonstrates the confidence the management has in his vision.
Though Gill’s tactical gambles, like a rigid leg-side field in the second Test, didn’t always pay off, coaches like Morkel appreciated his willingness to experiment and find his own solutions. Gambhir himself supported Gill’s decisions, even when they differed from his own instincts.
Leading by Example: Gill’s Philosophy
After a match-winning performance in the second Test, Gill spoke about his captaincy philosophy. He openly took responsibility for the first Test loss, blaming his own casual dismissal.
He emphasized the importance of a captain leading from the front. “Sometimes, especially when you are the captain, I think you need to lead by example so that whenever there is another player in that situation, you can command that player,” Gill stated, subtly asserting his authority.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who initially felt Gill “lacked aura,” reassessed his view, noting Gill’s calm demeanor could be a major asset under pressure. He believes Gill’s “low heartbeat” helps stabilize the team.
What Fellow Players Say
Jos Buttler, who played under Gill at Gujarat Titans, offered high praise. He described Gill as “a really impressive player, an impressive young man” who is “pretty calm and measured when he speaks.”
Buttler also observed Gill possessing “a bit of firepower, a bit of intensity, quite passionate.” While famously quoted saying Gill’s captaincy was a mix of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the emerging consensus is that Gill’s style is uniquely his own.
- Shubman Gill is demonstrating independent captaincy, free from remote control.
- He adopts a collaborative “team by committee” approach, leveraging senior players’ advice.
- Coaching staff and selectors are empowering Gill with significant decision-making authority.
- Gill believes in leading by example, taking personal responsibility for team performance.
As Gill continues to evolve in his leadership role, his unique blend of calm composure and decisive action promises an exciting new chapter for Indian cricket.
