
ENG vs IND Tests: Shubman Gill’s actual check begins now, says Greg Chappell
India’s captain Shubman Gill arrives for a coaching session forward of the fourth Test cricket match between India and England, at The County Ground, in Beckenham, England, Thursday, July 17, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
India misplaced the third Test in opposition to England at Lord’s by 22 runs to go 1-2 down within the collection.
The two groups will face off within the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Manchester beginning July 23.
“As India put together for the ultimate two Tests of their collection in England, the highlight now shines firmly on their 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. A shiny younger expertise, he has proven greatness with the bat and glimpses of management potential, however this second will outline his trajectory as a Test captain.
“It’s not an easy environment in which to grow, but it’s the one he’s in – and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Chappell wrote in his column in ESPNcricinfo.com.
Chappell desires Gill to set the tone for the aspect together with his actions.
“Gill should outline what kind of group he desires India to be. The captain units the tone – not simply with phrases, however with actions, readability of function, and visual requirements.
“That means demanding discipline in the field. India cannot afford to slip back into being a poor fielding side. The best teams are superb in the field. They don’t give easy runs. They don’t drop chances,” he wrote.
Chappell desires Gill to be agency in selecting the aspect he feels can win a match for him.
“The selectors and Gill should decide and stick. He should establish the core group of gamers he trusts, lay out a transparent sport plan, and talk particular person roles inside it. Every participant ought to know what is predicted of them and the place they slot in.
“Too often, in teams that struggle, players are left to work it out for themselves. That can’t be left to chance at this level,” the Australian nice wrote.
Chappell stated a captain must be a great communicator and its excessive time Gill ought to undertake that high quality.
“Great captains are nice communicators. Gill should change into one – and shortly. Whether it is at coaching, within the center or within the dressing room throughout a break – clear, calm communication is crucial.
“His bat can’t always do the talking. He must learn to speak in a way that aligns the group, encourages belief, and creates trust,” he stated.
“He also needs to enunciate the right approach. Batters must be told to play positively and bat in partnerships. If a batter gets a start, it is critical to go on and get a big score. Collapses come when players who are set decide that they don’t want to keep working that hard.” Chappell stated creating strain by means of constant bowling is as vital as taking wickets.
“Bowlers must know that it’s not just about taking wickets but about building pressure: bowling good balls, good overs, and good spells. Pressure creates mistakes. It’s not magic, it’s method,” he wrote.
Chappell stated it’s time for Gill to stamp his authority as a frontrunner and never simply as a batter, as India look to bounce again within the collection with two matches remaining.
“If Gill wants to become a great Test captain, this is his moment to stamp his authority. Not just with the bat, but with his leadership. Set the standard. Demand it of others. Pick your team. Back them. And make sure every man knows what is expected and hold them to it,” he wrote.
“Because in the long run, cricket is not about heroes. It’s about partnerships. It’s about groups. And it is about captains who carry the most effective out of these round them.
“If Gill can lead with clarity of thought and strength of purpose, he won’t just shape this series, he’ll shape the future of Indian cricket,” Chappell added.
Published – July 19, 2025 12:59 pm IST
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