Shubham Gill passes the leadership test

Bengaluru: Let’s face it, this wasn’t the typical series India encountered in England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate after an intense five-Test duel stretching over one and a half months.

To begin with, England’s Bazball approach ensured pitches were designed to assist batters, missing the usual spice. This was also among the least experienced bowling units India had faced in England. Chris Woakes was present, but clearly not the same force Virat Kohli’s side had battled in 2014. Jofra Archer made an impact but featured in only two Tests. Ben Stokes alone appeared consistently dangerous, and England keenly felt his absence in the finale.

India, however, arrived with their own share of uncertainties. Rohit Sharma and Kohli had declared their Test retirements just before the tour, depriving the batting line-up of invaluable experience. A young captain -- one of India’s youngest, yet to prove himself with the bat in SENA nations -- was entrusted with guiding inexperienced batters and a bowling attack unsure when its spearhead would be fit enough to play.

It became a stern test for Shubman Gill, yet the 25-year-old finished having elevated his reputation both as batsman and leader. His 754 series runs reinforced that he isn’t just a flat-track bully, even if the surfaces were a bit benign. As captain, he displayed firmness, nuance, and diplomacy. Though his spat with opener Zak Crawley didn't make for a pretty sight, he swiftly admitted his overreaction while exposing England’s gamesmanship at the same time. He neither retreated nor let matters escalate; perhaps a judicious mix of Kohli’s aggression and Rohit’s calm.

Inside the dressing room, a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, Gill emerged as a well-liked figure. There was a quiet acceptance of his leadership, further burnished by his batting feats.

KL Rahul, who briefly led as stand-in, praised Gill’s evolution.

“Shubman has been phenomenal,” he said after the series. “I think he has really led from the front. He’s worked really hard on the boys behind the scenes as well. In forming connections which a lot of people don’t see. He’s been tactically really good.

“The changes he’s made over the series have always got us the wickets somehow. And I think he will grow. He will grow on to be a really, really good Test captain. He’s here to stay as a leader and he will take this Indian Test team to greater heights.”

On the field, Gill was impressive for someone captaining in his first major series. Not every call was spot-on, not every selection was beyond debate but even veterans cannot claim to get everything right.

“Captaincy has a lot to do with how the bowlers are bowling, how disciplined they are, and how long they can persist with their plans,” Sachin Tendulkar said in his observation of Gill’s leadership. “Sometimes what happens is that if things are not going the bowlers’ way, they start experimenting. That is when the captain feels that the fielders he has on the ground are not enough, he needs more, because runs will be coming from everywhere. He still looked calm and composed, but when partnerships happen, it becomes difficult for any captain, and the priority becomes to dry their runs.”

By delivering both with the bat and as skipper, Gill showed he can shoulder leadership without diminishing his own game. But this is merely the beginning; the real measure will be how he withstands future highs and lows without losing his composure. That will define his legacy.