Shubman Gill’s leadership in his first Test assignment may have begun with a defeat, but former India head coach Ravi Shastri remains firm in his belief that the youngster is destined for greatness. Speaking to Wisden, Shastri backed Gill to grow into the role with time and experience, even as India went 1-0 down in the five-match series against England after a five-wicket loss at Headingley.
Having taken over the reins in the absence of seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Gill finds himself leading a transitional Indian side. Despite the loss in Leeds, Shastri insisted that Gill possesses a unique blend of class and composure that sets him apart.
“I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element of being regal out there when he’s batting. If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that’s the one name I can see,” said Shastri.
The former India coach believes that Gill’s evolution off the field has been just as impressive. “He’s matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses, he’s matured a lot,” Shastri observed, urging the selectors and the BCCI to be patient with the youngster.
“Let him be there for three years. Don’t chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you.”
