In the heat of India’s Test battle at Manchester, Ravi Shastri has stepped in with a bold and timely message—not to the players, but to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the senior team members.
His point? Gambhir Back your young captain, Shubman Gill, before it’s too late.
“I had to calm Virat Kohli down once from the dressing room,” Shastri revealed, “and it’s time this team does the same for Gill.”
Leading India in a high-pressure series against England is no small task—and Shubman Gill, still learning the ropes of captaincy, is feeling the weight. During the fourth Test in Manchester, his tactics were called into question. Field placements, bowling rotations, and the use of Washington Sundar—all came under fire as England piled up a massive 669 runs.
But instead of criticism, Shastri believes Gill needs calm voices and guidance, especially from senior players and coaching staff.
“Ease His Nerves, Stand by His Side”
Shastri used a powerful example from his own coaching days, recalling how Virat Kohli’s intensity sometimes had to be managed from the dressing room.
“With Virat, I’d tell him—this is Test cricket, you won’t take three wickets every session,” Shastri said.
“Same goes for Gill. He needs voices around him to give that perspective. Help him build a strategy, don’t just sit back and judge.”
A Soft But Serious Signal to Gambhir
The former coach didn’t name names—but the message was loud and clear: Gambhir, it’s your job now to guide and support.
In Shastri’s view, young captains can’t be left to figure things out alone on the field. They need experienced teammates and support staff offering advice, strategy tweaks, and reassurance when the heat is on.
“Gill can’t be left alone out there. Players with 50–60 Tests behind them should be taking responsibility too,” he added.
Match Summery 4th Test
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| England’s 1st‑Innings Total | 669 – highest Test total at Old Trafford; first time India conceded 600+ since 2014 –15 tour |
| First‑Innings Lead for England | 311 runs – leaving India trailing by 137 at stumps on Day 4 |
| Indian Bowlers Conceding 100+ Runs | Four bowlers (Bumrah, Siraj, Jadeja, Sundar) — first time since 2014–15 Australia Tests |
| Bumrah’s Own Record | 112 runs conceded in first innings—first time in his 47‑Test career he gave away 100 or more |
| India’s Position at End of Day 4 | 174/2 – an unbeaten stand of 174 by Shubman Gill (78*) and KL Rahul (87*), reducing deficit |
Ravi Shastri’s fiery comments come from a place of experience—and concern. He’s seen what happens when captains are left to sink or swim.
Now, he’s urging the current Indian camp to rally around Shubman Gill, not just with words, but with tactical and emotional support.
As India fights to stay in the series, this might be the turning point—not just in the match, but in how this team learns to grow its future leaders.
