Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, once again found himself at the centre of the action on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. As England took control early on, Gill’s mettle under pressure offered India a rare lifeline—though not without inviting intense scrutiny over his captaincy decisions.
England’s Early Onslaught: India in Troubled Waters
England, powered by a commanding ton from Ben Stokes—his first in two years—amassed 669 in their first innings, putting India under massive pressure. Early this afternoon, Chris Woakes rattled India’s top order by removing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in the first over, reducing India to 0 for 2.
In response, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul rebuilt the innings with a dogged 174‑run unbeaten stand that restored some pride and hope to the Indian cause. Gill reached his eighth Test fifty as captain, ending the day unbeaten and staunch at the crease, with Rahul joining him in the 80s. The partnership took India to 174/2 by stumps, still trailing by 137 runs but offering hope for a final‑day showdown.
With this innings, Shubman Gill surpassed Virat Kohli’s record of 655 Test runs by an Indian captain against England, setting a new benchmark in the ongoing series. In doing so, he edged closer to Sunil Gavaskar’s historic tally (732) for most by an Indian captain in a single series.
However, not all applause. Former coach Ravi Shastri and pundits including Sanjay Manjrekar have sharply criticised Gill’s captaincy. The main point of contention: his extremely delayed use of spin, particularly Washington Sundar, during England’s first innings. Sundar—effective at Lord’s—was given the ball only after 68 overs, drawing accusations that Gill distrusted his own spinners despite failing pace options on the fifth day.
Such reluctance drew fierce reactions on commentary. Manjrekar called it “a major red flag”, while analysts argued that the lack of sustained pressure through diverse options hurt India’s chances of breaking England’s first-innings momentum.
Gill’s in-game decision-making has come under increased observation. A clip from the stump mic revealed KL Rahul advising Gill to avoid a marginal DRS review, highlighting his reliance on senior players and raising questions about his assertiveness as captain.
Meanwhile, Nasser Hussain offered perspective on the scrutiny Gill has faced: his early heroics at Edgbaston—including a massive double-ton—built sky‑high expectations, but subsequent harder patches have led to every decision being magnified.
Despite criticism, Gill’s rise has its champions. Ravi Shastri also lauded him today as the next poster boy of Indian cricket, drawing parallels with icons Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Shastri emphasised Gill’s charisma, youth and potential to become the new face of Indian cricket in years to come.
Read more:
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra Welcome Baby Girl
Brevis and Hermann Ignite Proteas as South Africa Down Zimbabwe
“Maalik” Arrives: Rajkummar Rao’s Gangster Saga Debuts to Mixed Reviews and Low Advance Buzz
Ahaan Panday Shines in Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaara” Trailer: A Nepo Kid with Real Potential
Kerala Nurse Nimisha Priya Faces Execution in Yemen
Dhaurandhar: Ranveer Singh’s Next Big Spy Thriller – Teaser Drops With Intense First Look!
