Shubman Gill's recent appointment as India's Test captain has sparked a wave of discussion and debate within the cricketing fraternity. Replacing the recently retired Rohit Sharma, Gill, at 25, becomes the 37th cricketer to captain India in Test matches. While his talent and potential are undeniable, some critics have raised concerns about his relatively modest record, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries.
Prior to his captaincy, reports suggested that Gill was told to first "earn the respect of the dressing room". This sentiment highlights the importance of leadership extending beyond mere on-field performance. A captain is expected to foster a positive team environment, build camaraderie, and inspire confidence among teammates. While Gill has displayed glimpses of leadership potential, particularly during his time captaining the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, translating that to the Test arena will be a different challenge.
One of the primary points of contention surrounding Gill's captaincy is his performance in SENA countries. These nations are known for their challenging conditions, with pitches that offer significant movement for fast bowlers. Gill's record in these countries is a cause for concern. In 21 innings, he has scored 514 runs at an average of 25.7 with no centuries. His highest score remains 91 against Australia in Brisbane. In England, he has only managed 88 runs in 6 innings, averaging a mere 14.66. Similarly, his average in South Africa stands at 18.50. This lack of substantial scores in SENA countries raises questions about his ability to lead from the front in challenging overseas conditions.
Some critics argue that Gill's overall Test record is not compelling enough to warrant the captaincy. In 32 Test matches, he has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, with five centuries and seven half-centuries. While these numbers are decent, they don't place him among the top-performing Indian batsmen of the past decade. His average is lower than those of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and even Hanuma Vihari.
Despite the concerns, there is also optimism surrounding Gill's appointment. Ajit Agarkar, India's chairman of selectors, has expressed confidence in Gill's leadership abilities, stating that the team has been monitoring him for over a year. Gill has also previously captained India in the T20I format, leading the side in a series in Zimbabwe. Moreover, he has the backing of experienced players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, who will play a crucial role in supporting him. Jos Buttler, who played under Gill in the IPL, believes that the young captain will bring a mix of aggression and calmness to the role, drawing inspiration from both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Ultimately, Shubman Gill's success as Test captain will depend on his ability to improve his own performance, particularly in SENA countries, and to effectively lead and inspire his team. His first assignment, a five-Test series against England, will be a significant test of his leadership capabilities. While his SENA record may not be something to boast about currently, it presents an opportunity for him to prove his critics wrong and establish himself as a successful leader in the long run.
