In a challenging debut as captain, Shubman Gill faced criticism following India’s five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. England successfully chased a target of 371, with Ben Duckett delivering an impressive performance by scoring 149 runs. The match highlighted significant scrutiny on Gill’s leadership skills, particularly from former cricket captains Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri. Both experts questioned Gill’s on-field leadership and tactical decisions, suggesting that his approach lacked the commanding presence often associated with Virat Kohli. Hussain pointed out that Gill’s strategies seemed reactive rather than proactive, which allowed England to capitalize on opportunities. Shastri echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for more assertive decision-making in high-pressure situations. This critique comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket, as the team navigates leadership transitions and aims to maintain its competitive edge on the international stage. The loss at Headingley serves as a learning opportunity for Gill, who is expected to refine his captaincy skills and adapt to the demands of leading a national team. As India prepares for upcoming matches, the focus will be on how Gill responds to this feedback and whether he can evolve into a leader who inspires confidence both on and off the field. The cricketing community will be watching closely to see if Gill can rise to the challenge and lead India to future victories.