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How Did Shubman Gill Fare As A Leader On 1st Day After Test Captaincy Appointment?

Debashis Sarangi

Shubman Gill has been appointed as IND captain in Tests [Source: AP]Shubman Gill has been appointed as IND captain in Tests [Source: AP]

Shubman Gill faced his first major assignment after being appointed as the Indian Test skipper when Gujarat Titans' (GT) took the field against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2025. The focus was entirely on the 25-year-old youngster, with fans and experts eagerly waiting to observe and assess his leadership qualities before the much-anticipated England tour. 

Although GT conceded 230 runs off 20 overs, some of Gill's tactics were praiseworthy, justifying his selection as Rohit Sharma's successor in Test cricket. 

Early Introduction Of Prasidh Krishna In Powerplay

  • Before GT's final group-stage game against CSK, Prasidh Krishna had bowled only nine overs in the powerplay. 
  • However, as soon as Ayush Mhatre hammered Arshad Khan for 28 runs in an over, Shubman Gill wasted no time, introducing Krishna into the attack straightaway in the fourth over. 
  • Krishna is a tall bowler and his ability to hit the deck hard makes him a tricky customer for someone like Mhatre, who loves to play on-the-rise pick-up shots.  
  • The in-form fast bowler instantly made an impact, keeping Mhatre quiet and eventually getting his prized scalp in his very first over. 

The Risk That Paid Off Ft. Sai Kishore

  • Believing his own instincts is one of the biggest signs of a good tactician. A captain shouldn't be afraid of taking risks, an ability that helps him keep pace with the dynamic environment of modern-day white-ball cricket. 
  • Urvil Patel, CSK's latest signing, has an exceptional record against left-arm off-spinners. He had 75 runs under his belt in just 35 deliveries against this bowling type in T20 cricket. 
  • Thus, Gill took a gamble when he brought Sai Kishore to counter Urvil Patel, who was looking sublime in the middle. 
  • The left-arm spinner got rid of Urvil Patel in the second over, stepping up to the occasion just at the right time. 

Trusting Shahrukh Khan, The Part-Timer

  • Tamil Nadu all-rounder Shahrukh Khan hadn't bowled a single over in the IPL 2025 before this match against Chennai Super Kings. 
  • However, GT skipper Shubman Gill brought him into the attack, with CSK's left-handers- Shivam Dube and Devon Conway- dominating the proceedings against the favourable match-ups (Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore). 
  • Gill's idea to bring an off-spinner with two left-handers batting weaved magic, as he removed Shivam Dube, minimising the damage in the middle overs. 

Slog Overs Debacle Can Be Attributed To Poor Bowling

Although GT had a terrible time with the ball in the death overs, it can be attributed to the horrendous bowling from Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan. 

The duo fed Dewald Brevis with full-length deliveries, which the South African star smacked effortlessly into the stands. Thus, their failure can't be used as a factor to evaluate the leadership qualities of Shubman Gill, who actually showed glimpses of his tactical acumen in this match.