Head coach Gambhir says “we simply need to give Shubman Gill some time” as captain

Despite the criticism the 25-year-old batter has received for his performance, head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended him as the team’s leader, pointing out that nervousness will be present because this is only his first game as captain. Gambhir also discussed his performance in the first innings, where the team reached 471 thanks in large part to the brilliant century struck by the gifted top-order batsman.

Eventually, Gambhir asked the fans and commentators to give him some time to adjust to his new role as red-ball captain.

At Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team lost badly to England in the opening Test match. The hosts took an early 1-0 lead in the series after creating a chase that broke all previous records. As a result, Shubman Gill’s tactical mistakes as the new Test captain are being questioned by both fans and analysts.

“Look, there are certainly nerves during the first Test match. It’s an enormous honour. Few people have the chance to captain the Test team, as he has already stated, and he was outstanding. More significantly, Gambhir stated at the press conference after the game, “I think the way he batted in the first inning, obviously, I’m sure he would have had his own nerves, being the captain for the first time, and then getting a hundred.”

“We must just give him the time he needs to succeed as captain, no matter what. He is only the captain for the first time, and we are still in the very early stages. I have no doubt that he will recover. And it’s difficult to be a captain here. The 43-year-old India coach continued, “I’m confident he’s going to emerge as a true professional. It’s like pushing someone into the deep sea.”

In relation to the series’ forthcoming games, the second match is set to take place in Edgbaston in Birmingham between July 2 and July 6. The Indian team will hope to make a significant comeback after losing the first game, while the hosts will be trying to increase their lead. During the 2021–22 trip, England defeated India to level the series 2-2 in the final match played here.