Shubman Gill has solidified his position as a leader in Indian cricket, most recently demonstrated by his captaincy during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. Despite his apparent success, questions remain about the extent of his influence on the composition of the Playing XI, sparking debate among fans and experts alike.
Gill's leadership skills were on full display during the series, where he captained the team to a 2-2 draw, joining Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli in an elite club of Indian captains who remained undefeated in a Test series in England. He also ended India's 93-year win drought in the fifth Test of a series away from home. Moreover, Gill showcased his batting prowess by scoring 754 runs in the series at an average of 75.4, narrowly missing Sunil Gavaskar's record of 774 runs. His performance included a historic feat at Birmingham, where he scored 269 and 161, leading India to their first-ever Test victory at that venue. Gill himself acknowledged the significance of each century he scored, particularly highlighting the pressure he felt in Leeds and the importance of his double century and second-innings hundred in Birmingham.
Ajay Jadeja, a former Indian cricketer, observed that Gill's captaincy approach was consistently defensive, with team selections seemingly aimed at avoiding defeat rather than aggressively pursuing victories. Jadeja noted that Gill was open to making changes when necessary, appreciating his clarity of thought even if he didn't always agree with his strategies. Gill defended his choices, pointing out the value of players like Karun Nair, whose half-century in the first innings of a match proved crucial.
Despite Gill's success, some experts have questioned the team selections, particularly the repeated omission of Kuldeep Yadav. Former captain Sourav Ganguly voiced strong criticism, arguing that Yadav's quality spin was essential for taking wickets on the flatter pitches encountered during the series. Ganguly highlighted Yadav's impressive record against England, noting his absence since October 2024 despite an impressive Test strike rate. The team's coach, Gautam Gambhir, has faced scrutiny for his preference for a three-pacer strategy, which has led to Yadav being overlooked.
Questions about team selection have led to speculation about the decision-making process and the degree of autonomy Gill has in choosing the Playing XI. While Gill has demonstrated leadership qualities and achieved notable success, the lingering questions suggest that other voices may be influencing the final team composition. This raises concerns about whether Gill has the final say or if external factors play a significant role in determining the team's lineup.
Looking ahead, Gill's next challenge will be the two-match Test series against the West Indies, providing another opportunity to showcase his leadership and decision-making abilities. As he gains more experience, it will be crucial for Gill to assert his influence on team selections, ensuring that the best possible team takes the field. Only then can he fully establish himself as the undisputed leader of the Indian cricket team.
