Shubman Gill's star is undoubtedly on the rise, and his growth as a leader has been particularly impressive. Ashish Nehra, Gill's IPL coach, has observed significant improvements in his captaincy over the past year. Nehra's insights carry weight, given his close association with Gill and his understanding of the pressures of both domestic and international cricket.
Nehra noted that Gill has become more communicative with his bowlers and has gained valuable international experience, contributing to his development. Gill's calm demeanor under pressure is a trait that Nehra believes is particularly valuable in Test and ODI cricket, where captains have more time to strategize compared to the fast-paced nature of T20s.
Sai Kishore, a player under Gill's captaincy at Gujarat Titans, has also spoken highly of Gill's game reading abilities and his contributions to the team's strategy. Kishore emphasized Gill's understanding of match situations and his ability to provide valuable inputs, particularly to spinners. He highlighted Gill's smartness as a cricketer, not just his talent.
Gill's leadership style involves fostering open communication and creating a comfortable environment for his teammates. He accepts mistakes and encourages players to express themselves, which is vital for building a cohesive and confident team. He doesn't dwell on missed opportunities but focuses on creating new ones.
Furthermore, Nehra highlighted Gill's capacity to learn from experience. He believes that Gill's grounded nature and continuous pursuit of improvement will serve him well in his leadership role. Nehra's coaching philosophy emphasizes stability, allowing players to learn and grow within a supportive environment. He focuses on Gill as a person and a captain, looking beyond just immediate results and considering his long-term development.
The comparisons to established Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli further solidify Gill's potential. Kohli himself acknowledged Gill's exceptional talent and dedication, stating that he wasn't even "10 percent" of what Gill is at the same age. This praise from a seasoned player underscores the high regard in which Gill is held within the cricketing fraternity.
Moreover, Gill's consistent performance with the bat has been instrumental in his team's success. Leading from the front, he has often taken responsibility for scoring runs and providing his bowlers with a comfortable cushion.
Considering all these factors, Shubman Gill is considered a strong contender for the India Test captaincy. His leadership qualities, combined with his batting prowess and his commitment to continuous improvement, make him a promising candidate to lead the national team in the years to come.