Shubman Gill has earned massive praise from former India head coach Ravi Shastri after his remarkable century in the ongoing Test match against England. Shastri's commendation comes on the heels of Gill notching his seventh Test century and his second of the series, leading the Indian team from the front. Gill’s performance has not only solidified his position in the team but has also drawn comparisons to Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated cricketers.
Gill's century at Edgbaston was a display of remarkable poise and application. He remained unbeaten on 114 off 216 balls, an innings studded with 12 boundaries, helping India reach 310/5 at stumps on Day 1. This century followed his impressive 147 in the first Test at Leeds, marking his dominance in the series. Gill's consistent performance has made him the fourth Indian cricketer to score centuries in the first two matches as captain, joining an elite list that includes Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli. He also became the first Indian batter to score centuries on the opening day of a Test in England on two separate occasions.
Ravi Shastri, commenting on Gill's performance on Sky Sports, noted the improvements in his defense. Shastri pointed out that Gill had previously played with "hard hands" and "pushed at the ball," similar to Virat Kohli. However, Gill has now developed better control with his top hand, allowing the ball to come to him and trusting his defense. Shastri believes this adjustment has significantly improved Gill's game, complementing his already impressive array of shots.
Shastri also highlighted the importance of Gill's unbeaten 99-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, which helped India recover from a potentially troublesome situation. He stressed the need for India to capitalize on this foundation and aim for a substantial total on Day 2. Former England captain Nasser Hussain echoed Shastri's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of converting the strong start into a significant advantage.
Despite the praise, Gill has faced criticism regarding his captaincy, particularly after India's loss in the first Test at Leeds. Shastri had previously advised Gill to be more proactive as a captain. After the first Test, Nasser Hussain observed that Gill's captaincy lacked the aura of Virat Kohli. Shastri has also described the personalities of Gill and Kohli as being at opposite ends of the spectrum, while also noting that a player like Kohli is needed to "get the bowlers geed up".
Shastri had earlier supported Gill's move to the No. 4 position in Test cricket, following Virat Kohli's retirement. Shastri felt that Gill was the best choice to carry forward Kohli's legacy in that role.
Shubman Gill's recent form and technical adjustments have drawn high praise, with comparisons to Virat Kohli highlighting his potential to become a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. While there are questions about his captaincy, his performance with the bat speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. As Gill continues to evolve, his contributions will be crucial for India's success in future matches.
