Indian captain Shubman Gill has received widespread acclaim for his phenomenal run-scoring against England, even as some of his on-field captaincy decisions draw scrutiny.
Gill’s Historic Batting Spree
Shubman Gill has been in sublime form, amassing an impressive 722 runs in the current Test series against England, including four magnificent centuries. His incredible performance places him in elite company, joining the likes of South Africa’s Graeme Smith and Australia’s Steve Smith.
These two legendary players are the only others this century to score over 700 runs in a Test series against England in the UK. Graeme Smith, much like Gill, was also a young captain during his dominant 2003 summer, setting a high bar for leadership and run-making.
Chasing Legendary Records
Gill’s remarkable series tally of 722 runs marks a new high for an Indian batter in a Test series against England. He now has his sights firmly set on Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time record of 774 runs in any Test series, a truly historic milestone.
Beyond individual runs, Gill has also etched his name in captaincy records. With his fourth century in the series, he joins an exclusive club alongside Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar as captains who have hit four centuries in a single series. Notably, Gill is the first to achieve this feat away from home.
The English media has even tipped him as a perfect fit for the crucial No. 4 batting position, seeing him as a successor in the lineage of Indian batting giants like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
Captaincy Under the Scanner
Despite his batting heroics, Gill’s captaincy has faced criticism. His summer has been described as “peculiar,” balancing extraordinary batting feats with the pressures of his new leadership role. Observers noted that the Indian side appeared somewhat disoriented in a recent Test match.
Among the flagged blunders were selection choices, such as bringing back a No. 3 batter who was dropped after the first Test and favoring a struggling fast bowler over the brilliant wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The continued absence of Kuldeep has not only hurt India’s chances but also the overall spectacle of the series.
Furthermore, Gill was criticized for his delayed introduction of off-spinner Washington Sundar into the attack during England’s first innings, a missed opportunity given Sundar’s previous excellence.
A Team in Transition
The Indian team is navigating a transitional period, working to establish a new identity following the departures of giants like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the implied retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin. This new era brings unique challenges for Gill, who is still finding his footing as a leader.
Compared to the commanding presence of a past captain like Kohli, Gill presents a softer-spoken demeanor, often answering questions with a disarming smile. This contrast highlights the evolving dynamics within the Indian cricket team under new leadership.
- Shubman Gill scored 722 runs with four centuries against England, joining Graeme and Steve Smith in an elite club.
- He set a new record for an Indian batter in a Test series against England.
- Gill is the third captain, alongside Bradman and Gavaskar, to hit four centuries in a series, and the first to do so away from home.
- His captaincy decisions, including team selection and bowling changes, have drawn criticism from the English media.
- India is in a transitional phase, and Gill is navigating his dual role as key batter and captain.
As the series heads towards its conclusion, Gill’s ability to balance his remarkable individual form with his evolving leadership responsibilities will remain a key focus for cricket observers.
