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"Give Him Time...": Aakash Chopra Backs Gill Over 'Unfair' Virat Kohli Comparison

Soumyajit Dutta

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]

Shubman Gill’s leadership in his debut Test series as India captain drew mixed reactions, with critics comparing his style to former skippers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite the scrutiny, Gill guided India to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England, sealing the series with a thrilling six-run win in the final Test at The Oval.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate, acknowledging the scrutiny Gill faced while defending the young captain’s learning curve.

Chopra Calls Out Gill's Unfair Comparison With Kohli

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra started with the fight that Gill picked up in Lord's and was criticised for putting up a show to act like Kohli.

"Many questions were raised, and there were a few comparisons as well. If Virat Kohli is king, his name (Gill's) has been kept prince, so the comparisons start quickly. I remember two or three very interesting comparisons. The first was the fight that happened at the Lord's ground. You lost the match after that," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.


"A ruckus started at that stage as to why was he fighting, and that he should play in his own style. After that, you reached Old Trafford, and it was said that the body language didn't look good, and that it never happened like that in Virat Kohli's captaincy, where you just go through the motions," Chopra added.

Chopra Admits That 'Gill Needs Time'

Chopra pointed out that Shubman Gill’s leadership was also measured against Rohit Sharma’s, but he argued that such comparisons were unfair given the different challenges each captain faces.

"The captaincy is a work in progress, but he is 25 years old. He will learn. It was just his first series. He was seen following the ball at times, but we have seen that with all captains. We have seen that with Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and everyone, that they placed fielders wherever the ball went at some stage," Chopra explained.

While admitting Gill could have been bolder in team selections—particularly in playing Kuldeep Yadav, Chopra emphasized the difficulties of decision-making as he defended the young skipper.

Nevertheless, the 2-2 draw is a moral win for India in England and a win for Shubman Gill as well. As of now, the Indian team looks to buckle up for their next assignment in the Asia Cup, which begins for the team from September 10. India is set to play the first match against the UAE in the Dubai International Stadium.