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"Let Him Lead For...," Ravi Shastri Urges BCCI To Back Shubman Gill As Test Captain

Sakshi Sharma

Ravi Shastri on Shubman Gill (Source:@RichKettle07,x.com)Ravi Shastri on Shubman Gill (Source:@RichKettle07,x.com)

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has strongly requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to back Shubman Gill as Test captain for a minimum of three years, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

It is important to note that the Punjab-born cricketer was recently appointed as India's new Test skipper following the retirement of Rohit Sharma from the longest format. He kicked off his captaincy career in style, becoming only the fifth Indian captain to score a century on Test debut as skipper. However, his effort went in vain as England chased down a daunting 371-run target to win the match by five wickets. 

Ravi Shastri's Special Request To BCCI

Despite the result, Ravi Shastri believes Gill is the right man to lead India into the next generation of Test cricket, praising the young batter’s temperament, maturity, and potential.

"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. 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."Shastri told Wisden, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Shastri also emphasized that Gill possesses the qualities to become one of the modern greats a batter with natural elegance, confidence, and a regal presence at the crease.

 “I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element 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 going the distance.”Shastri said.

What Are The Challenges Gill Can Face In 2nd Test? 

While Gill has made a confident start with the bat, scoring a fluent century in the first innings of the Headingley Test, his tactical decision came under scrutiny after England's fourth-innings run chase exposed some gaps in India's bowling changes and field placements.

With the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the pressure is on Gill to adapt quickly and learn from the mistakes of the series opener. The task could be even more difficult with reports suggesting that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may be rested.