India are getting ready for the 4th Test against England, which starts on July 23 in Manchester. But even before the game begins, the spotlight is firmly on Shubman Gill for what he did on Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s.
Gill surprised fans with a sudden on-field outburst aimed at England opener Zak Crawley. The Indian captain was unhappy with Crawley’s delay tactics and was seen using strong words and animated gestures.
Many were quick to compare Gill’s angry reaction with the likes of Virat Kohli or Sourav Ganguly, but not everyone agrees with that comparison.
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Harbhajan Singh weighs in on Shubman Gill’s captaincy style
Former Indian spinner Singh has come forward with his thoughts on the situation. Speaking to Sports Tak, he said every cricketer has their own personality and it’s wrong to expect Gill to act like Kohli, Ganguly, or Dhoni.
"Every player has a different way to operate. MS Dhoni was different, Anil Kumble was different, Sourav Ganguly was different. Kapil Dev was different. Everyone has a different nature and way. If I want to bowl like Prasanna or Saqlain Mushtaq or vice versa, it is not possible," Harbahajan told SportsTak.
He pointed out that trying to imitate legends won’t help Gill. Instead, he should focus on being the best version of himself and write his own story as a leader.
"Shubman Gill has his own style. He will learn, obviously, he is a young guy. He cannot be Sourav Ganguly or Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni and he doesn't need to be that. He wants to be the best version of Shubman Gill who can leave his own legacy going forward. He has the potential that he could take India to the top," he added.
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Why did Shubman Gill’s aggression become a big topic during the series?
Gill’s actions during the third Test at Lord’s came during a tense passage of play. India were pushing hard, and Gill felt Crawley was trying to waste time by avoiding playing more overs in fading light. The visible frustration led to an outburst that quickly drew reactions online.
Some fans praised his passion, comparing it to Kohli’s on-field energy. Others said Gill might be trying too hard to fill the shoes of India’s past captains.
The Test series between India and England has been a rollercoaster. England are leading 2-1 after close wins in Leeds and Lord’s, while India had leveled the series briefly after winning in Birmingham.
With two matches left, including the Manchester Test starting on July 23, the pressure on Gill’s leadership will only increase.