Greg Chappell, the former head coach of India, has urged Shubman Gill to become a better communicator in his capacity as captain rather than depending only on his batting exploits. India is currently behind 1-2 in the five-match series, despite Shubman Gill impressive batting performance in his debut series as Test skipper against England.
Chappell highlighted that a winning team cannot be formed solely by batting success. In order to define leadership beyond merely individual performances, he pointed out that Gill must also concentrate on creating a strong team culture and communicate openly with players.
In his first Test match as captain, Shubman Gill made headlines with a century. He then went on to record a career-high 269 and another century in a later game.
“Great communicators make for great captains. Shubman Gill needs to become one—and fast. Clear, composed communication is crucial whether it’s during a break in the dressing room, during training, or in the middle. Sometimes his bat has to speak for him. In his piece for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell stated, “He needs to learn how to speak in a way that unites the group, fosters belief, and builds trust.”
“Gill and the selectors have to pick and stick. He needs to decide which core group of players he can trust, establish a clear strategy, and explain each player’s position within it. Each player ought to understand their role and what is expected of them. Players on struggling teams are much too frequently left to figure things out on their own. At this stage, that cannot be left up to chance,” he continued.
Additionally, Chappell recommended that Gill be more accountable for establishing the team’s mentality and fielding standards. He emphasised that a captain’s impact is felt on the pitch in addition to the number of runs scored. The 25-year-old is still by far the series’ top run scorer despite suffering twin setbacks in India’s loss at Lord’s.
“Shubman Gill needs to specify the kind of squad he wants India to have. The captain establishes the tone by actions, clear goals, and unmistakable standards in addition to words. This entails requiring discipline in the workplace. India cannot afford to revert to their previous level of fielding weakness. In the field, the top teams excel. Easy runs are not what they provide. “They never miss an opportunity,” Chappell wrote.
Shubman Gill on-field zeal during the Lord’s Test was praised by Chappell. At the close of Day 3, the youthful skipper showed a more combative side to his leadership by verbally sparring with England starter Zak Crawley. However, given that Gill was removed for just six runs after being trapped LBW in the second innings on Day 5, several onlookers believed that his anger may have interfered with his ability to concentrate at the bat.
“The Old Trafford Test is proving to be Shubman Gill most difficult test to date, both as a leader and as a batter. Although the timeline is not generous, he is learning on the job. He is still capable of displaying emotion, though. His enthusiasm on the pitch at Lord’s was actually admirable. However, time-wasting behaviours like pissing in Zak Crawley’s face only make a difference if they are supported by the diligent effort done behind the scenes,” Chappell said.
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