I will defend Shubman Gill, says Gautam Gambhir
Shubman Gill’s transformation from a newcomer to a captain in recent times has been a center of attention in the recent past. However, he was questioned for his captaincy readiness. But now, he is being praised by none other than the head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir. Gautam said, “I will defend Shubman Gill” over his captaincy matter.
A Captain Made in Fire
The post of captain Shubman Gill was just hotly debated at the time of his announcement. Most felt fewer than 25 years of age were not yet prepared for a place of giants like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who had retired from Test cricket. According to Gambhir, who has always appreciated saying unfashionable things, he very much appreciated Gill for being the captain.
Speaking to Star Sports during the second Test between India and the West Indies in New Delhi, the head coach revealed he had challenged Gill, right from day one. “I told him very clearly – we’ve thrown you into a deep sea. From here, you’ll either drown or become a world-class swimmer.”
Well, Gill did not just swim; he sailed.
Above the Chatter
Gill’s first assignment as Test captain was nothing less than a trial by fire — a five-Test series in England. With English conditions, the pressure of leading an inexperienced squad, and the avalanche of scrutiny, it was one of the most testing phases in the young career of Gill. Yet Gill came out shining, scoring a daunting 754 runs in the series with four centuries and a double-hundred.
But Gambhir thought Gill’s number was only secondary. “The runs don’t matter as much as the way he handled himself and the team. He showed so much calm; no frustration, no visible stress, just focus and composure.” Cricketers have always been dragged into controversies for a long now. Gautam Gambhir said I will defend Shubman Gill in this matter as he is getting questioned for his captaincy. As cricket fans, we always want to know what is going on in the cricket world. Starexch, also known as Starexchange, brings all the trending cricket updates. Visit now to stay up to date with cricket updates.
Shutting Down the Critics
Upon announcing Gill’s captaincy, critics questioned whether this was too soon for someone still establishing his rhythm in Test cricket.l Having been moved around quite often across batting positions and not particularly consistent under foreign conditions, by the time the series ended, those same critics were swallowing their words.
Not only did Gill stabilize his game, but he also started giving a sense of comfort to the dressing room. After Kohli’s retirement, he stepped into No. 4 and adapted seamlessly to his new role- a show of maturity far more advanced for his years.
Gambhir, closely observing from the dressing room, accepted that the England tour could be the toughest he’s ever seen Gill face, saying, ”That was the biggest test, regardless of whether he captained for two years or 10; after we drew the series at the Oval, I told him, ‘You have passed your toughest test. The transition is completed.”
From Leading Test Matches to Leading ODIs
While Gill’s success in leadership in red-ball cricket was laying the foundation for one even greater responsibility of captaining the Indian ODI team, he is taking full-time white-ball captaincy from Rohit Sharma, starting his ODI captaincy in the upcoming three-match series in Australia in October.
The appointment would be seen in India as part of a long-term strategy to prepare him to lead the side at the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa. Based on temperament and adaptability displayed thus far, Gill looks aptly ready to steer Indian cricket into the next chapter.
Gautam Gambhir’s Profound Admiration
When Gautam said I will defend Shubman Gill, his words were not just compliments but were statements of faith. Having a reputation for high standards, Gambhir appreciated Gill not only for his technical skills but also for being under pressure.
“In England, even when the support staff and I were under pressure, he never lost his smile,” Gambhir said. “He had every reason to feel the heat, but he stayed calm and led from the front. That’s what makes a real leader.”
In fact, Gill’s biggest contribution to the game so far this year is his value that absorbing pressure has always been his greatest strength. He has made 966 runs in Tests from 2025 and is not just India’s top scorer but one of the most prolific yet consistent captains in all formats.
A Symbol of India’s Next-Gen Leadership
When transitioning from Kohli and Rohit, it was always going to be dicey, but Gill managed to make it look very much easier than what was probably expected. He fitted the mindset of modern-day Indian cricket: fearless but goal-oriented, aggression mixed with calmness.
The new era of cricket claims to be a sparkling one for storytellers and analysts alike. And it is here where the Starexchange continues to unravel, an ongoing platform that holds match reviews and cricket updates, capturing the spirit of transition into the new-age Indian cricket.
More than just a captain, Gill signifies resilience, the belief in rising to the occasion in defiance of all odds, while the world is willing to call him incapable. If at all there is a semblance of leadership in Indian cricket, changing from Gambhir’s perspective, it signifies that the evolution is now based on a vision instead of the experience paradigm.
What Lies Ahead
Even the self-assured captain who was Gill now reflects on the way the team looks towards a complete West Indies series sweep. Under Gill’s captaincy, India won this match by an innings and 140 runs against the West Indies in Ahmedabad and seems to retain its momentum in the next dominant victory match at Delhi after declaring, scoring 518 for 5.
Things really do look bright. A new chapter has been opened, and therein stands 25, proving that age is just a number when intent accompanies skill, ready to shatter one’s perceptions and self-belief.
The bottom line
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FAQs:
Q1: What makes Shubman Gill extraordinary as a captain?
A: His uniqueness is that he keeps a very cool head and leads by example. In difficult situations, he composes himself and tells the team to always perform.
Q2: What did Gautam Gambhir tell Shubman Gill?
A: Gautam Gambhir commended Shubham Gill for being goddamn really mature enough about captaincy and leading during one of the most difficult series of test matches with England, which is inarguably one of the toughest tests he has had in his budding career.
Q3: When will Shubham Gill start captaincy in ODIs?
A: Gill would set up the benchmark in October when he undertakes his first assignment as a captain in ODIs for the three-match series against Australia.
Q4: How is Gill doing in Tests this year?
A: This year has been brilliant for Gill as he has made 950 runs more in Test matches. He also equaled Virat Kohli’s record for the most number of Test centuries scored by an Indian captain in a given year.