Shubman Gill has been appointed India's new Test captain on May 24, 2025 following the retirement of Rohit Sharma. Additionally, Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain of the 18-man squad. Gill has now become the fifth-youngest cricket player to lead India in Test matches at the age of 25 years and 258 days, behind Ravi Shastri (25 years, 229 days), Sachin Tendulkar (23 years, 169 days), Kapil Dev (24 years, 48 days), and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years, 77 days). The first test of the current five-match series was recently led by Shubman Gill at Headingley. Regretfully, India lost by five wickets, raising concern about their future with the red ball.
Lamb is adamant that India's red-ball struggles are imminent because of the absence of Virat Kohli and Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah is crucial to Indian bowling. Prominently, the Indian cricket team is highly dependent on Bumrah’s bowling.
Allan Lamb quoted-
“In one-day cricket, India should win every competition. In Test matches, you’re going to rely a lot on Bumrah, and you’re going to miss Virat Kohli big time.”
Manjarekar states-
“Whether they would have taken wickets or not, Kohli would have made it clear to the opposition that he's actively trying to get them out. Gill doesn't have that kind of personality or leadership style. However, perhaps being a bit less defensive and not pre-empting things would have been better,”
He states-
"I thought I saw someone just finding his way, honestly. You've got to be very careful in the first Test match, the people he's taken over from, Kohli, and then Rohit Sharma. I thought he didn't quite have that on-field aura as the names I mentioned there. You look down on those two previous names, and you immediately see who was in charge of India,”
Former wicketkeeper batsman stated-
"I really don't think he has realized the enormity of what it means to be a Test captain for India, as of now. He is walking into the lion's den. Coming to England as a cricketing nation is not easy."
Allan Lamb discusses India's struggle in Test under Shubman Gill's captaincy
Regarding the future of India's Test cricket, a former England cricket veteran has voiced grave fears. He talked about how India plays differently in white ball and red ball formats. Although he praises India for their supremacy in white ball cricket, additionally, he notices cracks in India seen in Test cricket. A veteran asserts that while Rohit Sharma and Surya Kumar Yadav are leading in short overs, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin's absence is causing them to struggle in test cricket.Lamb is adamant that India's red-ball struggles are imminent because of the absence of Virat Kohli and Bumrah. Jasprit Bumrah is crucial to Indian bowling. Prominently, the Indian cricket team is highly dependent on Bumrah’s bowling.
Allan Lamb quoted-
“In one-day cricket, India should win every competition. In Test matches, you’re going to rely a lot on Bumrah, and you’re going to miss Virat Kohli big time.”
Sanjay Manjarekar criticises Shubman Gill for his defensive approach
After India's loss to England at Headingley, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stresses Shubman Gill’s defensive approach. While appreciating young talent and his batting ability, he advises Gill to avoid taking a defensive stance in favorable circumstances. Additionally, Veteran pointed out the ball was not moving much, so The Prince made arrangements to be overly defensive. Hence, Former Cricketer believes Virat Kohli must have handled this situation smartly and Gill was unable to comprehend the issue.Manjarekar states-
“Whether they would have taken wickets or not, Kohli would have made it clear to the opposition that he's actively trying to get them out. Gill doesn't have that kind of personality or leadership style. However, perhaps being a bit less defensive and not pre-empting things would have been better,”
Nasser Hussain expressed his frustration with Shubman Gill
Former England Captain, Nasser Hussain criticises Shubman Gill stating he lost his way. He further points out that young captain has to be very careful in his first test match as he is leading the team after acquiring it from veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Additionally, he says Shubman Gill lacks aura on the field if compared to The Hitman and King Kohli.He states-
"I thought I saw someone just finding his way, honestly. You've got to be very careful in the first Test match, the people he's taken over from, Kohli, and then Rohit Sharma. I thought he didn't quite have that on-field aura as the names I mentioned there. You look down on those two previous names, and you immediately see who was in charge of India,”
Dinesh Karthik flags Gill for not understanding the enormity
Karthik makes a caustic statement about what Gill has committed to, and he predicts the new captain should exercise extreme caution. He believes, at this point, Gill has not truly understood the magnitude of what it means to be an Indian Test captain. Veteran remarks, The young captain is entering the lion's den, and it's not simple to come to England, a cricketing nation. According to the cricket specialist, numerous teams with multiple stars have arrived and struggled to execute.Former wicketkeeper batsman stated-
"I really don't think he has realized the enormity of what it means to be a Test captain for India, as of now. He is walking into the lion's den. Coming to England as a cricketing nation is not easy."
