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Shubman Gill Must Embrace 'No Risk, No Reward' Mantra Before It's Too Late

Ritam

Shubman Gill in action at Edgbaston (Source: AP Photos)Shubman Gill in action at Edgbaston (Source: AP Photos)

There is a reason why a certain number of cricket fans still prefer the Test format above all else. More often than not, fortune changes like a seesaw for either side, making it a whole lot of fun for everyone who tends to be closely connected to the game.

In a similar scenario, the Edgbaston Test is hanging in the balance after Day 3. Yes, some may argue that India are firmly ahead in the contest, having secured a 244-run lead in the second innings with still nine wickets in hand.

However, given England’s perfect record under Ben Stokes when the opposition scores 500 or more in the first innings across three attempts, it would not be too surprising if the streak continues against a Jasprit Bumrah-less Indian attack, particularly after a toothless collective effort they made even when their favourite superhero was among the mix not too long ago at Headingley.

One Step At A Time And Victory Awaits For Gill & Co!

Some compare Test cricket to a game of chess, and those who do are not entirely wrong. While the playing environments may differ significantly, each move in both sports determines whether the team progresses, regresses, or stays the same.

Now, returning to the battle of Edgbaston, there are two leaders going head to head with vastly different portfolios, much like Magnus Carlsen and D Gukesh. With 21 wins and just one draw out of 34 matches in charge, 34-year-old Stokes gives the world the impression that he is not here to mess around. On the other hand, there is Shubman Gill, who is still 25 and is just emerging onto the scene as a commander, forging a legacy to come.

While Stokes’ simple formula of taking the game away from opponents is a no-holds-barred approach with the bat, this could be an ideal opportunity for Shubman Gill to showcase his leadership qualities and stun the Englishman. A clear plan must be in place for the newly appointed India Test captain, and this should be communicated to Karun Nair and KL Rahul so they can follow it from the very first ball on Day 4.

If Virat Kohli Could, Shubman Gill Can!

Those who make their mark as successful Test captains must develop unique strategies and have sheer persistence. Gill’s predecessor at No. 4, Virat Kohli, did not win 40 out of 68 Tests as captain just by fluke; he prioritised victory at all costs by giving the bowlers greater importance. The basic mantra of the iconic seven-year Virat Kohli era in Test cricket was that one cannot win a match in this format without taking 20 wickets, and they must put in as much effort as possible to achieve this.

Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Gill must follow every footstep of Kohli to accomplish success. In fact, the 25-year-old has already done something on English soil in whites that no one in the history of Indian cricket has ever done in a single innings. Nevertheless, every significant milestone begins to fade if the results don’t turn out in your favour in the end.

The methods may vary between Gill and Kohli. That’s completely fair, and honestly, more exciting. However, it should be evident on the field, and at every moment, they must have the strength to change the game, even when the unit appears defeated to many.

Determination And Hunger—That's All India Requires!

Gill must come up with Plan B, if not Plan C, on Day 4. The inconsistency in India's batting lineup was clearly visible in both Leeds and Birmingham, so there must be a clear plan about how to approach it, even if they lose one or two wickets within the first hour of the play before it gets any worse.

There is a fine line between being reckless and being mature while keeping the scoreboard ticking at a good pace. Gill must calculate the risk-reward situation to set up a target first for England.

It might be a record-breaking task or not, but India’s run rate in the second innings is something that will always remain in focus on Day 4. That will actually tell the story of what the doctor’s orders are. More clearly, that will determine whether Gill is a defensive or attacking captain.

The job won’t be entirely done there. Under Gill’s supervision, the Indian bowling attack seemed like surrendering soldiers at Headingley on Day 5. If the body language among the bowlers remains the same at Edgbaston, no superpower can help them secure a miraculous victory. However, even a flat pitch turns into a bowling-friendly one if they keep asking questions of the batters, and the energy on the ground stays intact.

Time Will Tick, Make It Count!

Make no mistake, Gill should give a realistic amount of time to bowlers for claiming 10 wickets. If England find there is little time to reach the target, they, having already gone 1-0 up, won’t go all guns blazing. That will only be India’s loss, as a subtly defensive approach from their captain could cost them from levelling the series with three matches to go.

The stage is yours, Shubman Gill. If a relatively younger Gukesh can beat high-flying Magnus not once but twice, you can too. All it takes is the right move at the right time, and that without getting tired on the field.