Shastri’s Critique of Gill’s Captaincy

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has openly criticized Shubman Gill’s captaincy during the third day of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Speaking on Sky Sports, Shastri expressed his disappointment with Gill’s tactical decisions, particularly his late introduction of Washington Sundar into the bowling attack. Sundar, who eventually dismissed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession, was brought on after 67 overs, a decision Shastri found questionable given Sundar’s performance in previous matches.

Tactical Missteps Highlighted

Shastri also questioned Gill’s choice to hand the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj instead of Mohammed Siraj. According to Shastri, this move relieved pressure on the English batsmen, allowing them to build a substantial lead. He further criticized the delayed implementation of a bouncer strategy, suggesting it should have been attempted earlier to disrupt England’s momentum.

Hope for Improvement

Despite his criticisms, Shastri remains hopeful about Gill’s potential as a captain. He believes that with guidance from head coach Gautam Gambhir and support from senior players, Gill can refine his leadership skills. Shastri drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s early captaincy days, emphasizing the importance of balancing aggression with strategic field placements.

Call for Senior Players’ Accountability

In addition to critiquing Gill, Shastri urged senior players to take more responsibility for setting their own fields and contributing tactical ideas. He highlighted the need for experienced players to proactively communicate their strategies to the captain, drawing comparisons with England’s Ben Stokes, who is known for his proactive approach in breaking partnerships.