“Let Him Lead for Three Years”: Ravi Shastri Bats for Shubman Gill’s Long-Term Test Captaincy

Former India Coach Calls for Stability and Vision in Leadership Transition

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made a passionate appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to commit to Shubman Gill as the new Test captain for the long haul. Shastri emphasized the importance of stability and backed the young batter to lead India into the next phase of its red-ball journey, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing five-Test series against England.

The former coach made these remarks in an interview with Wisden, later quoted by Hindustan Times, stating that India must avoid the “chop-and-change” approach and give Gill a minimum of three years at the helm.

Gill’s Test Captaincy Debut: A Mixed Bag

Century on Debut Overshadowed by England’s Record Chase

Shubman Gill, who was recently appointed as India’s new Test skipper following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format, made an impressive start with the bat. In the first Test at Headingley, he scored a stylish century and became only the fifth Indian captain to do so on debut.

Despite his personal milestone, India succumbed to a five-wicket defeat as England chased down 371 runs, exposing a few captaincy inexperience gaps in field settings and bowling rotations.

Read: Why Shubman Gill’s appointment as Test captain marks a new era for Indian cricket

Ravi Shastri’s Support: “Give Him Time to Grow”

“He Will Deliver If You Trust Him”

Ravi Shastri did not mince words in his endorsement of Gill as a long-term solution for India’s red-ball leadership.

“He’s matured a lot—the way he speaks at press conferences, handles the media, conducts the toss. Let him stay for three years. Don’t chop and change based on one series,” said Shastri.

The former head coach also underlined Gill’s personality and elegance at the crease as indicators of his high ceiling as a future batting great.

“He’s got that lazy elegance, a regal touch when he bats. I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. He just needs time, exposure, and the opportunity to learn.”

Key Challenges Ahead: Second Test at Edgbaston Looms

Tactical Adjustments and Bumrah’s Possible Absence

While Gill’s captaincy debut with the bat drew praise, the tactical side of his leadership will come under closer scrutiny in the upcoming second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India’s fourth-innings bowling strategy in the series opener drew criticism for poor field placements and passive bowling changes.

Adding to Gill’s challenge, there are reports suggesting that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may be rested, making the captain’s task more difficult. With the series finely poised and expectations high, Gill must adapt swiftly and prove his mettle not just as a batter, but also as a tactician.

For official updates on player availability and Test series fixtures, visit the BCCI’s official website.

Why Stability in Leadership Matters

Lessons from the Past

India has often grappled with abrupt leadership changes, especially in the transition phase between generations. With Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test duties and Virat Kohli on a break, it’s a defining period for India’s red-ball cricket. Stability in captaincy could be the cornerstone of success, and Gill’s potential offers a promising vision for the future.

If backed consistently, Gill could evolve into a well-rounded leader, much like how India nurtured past captains such as MS Dhoni and Kohli through extended tenures.

The Time to Back Shubman Gill Is Now

Ravi Shastri’s words echo a deeper sentiment in Indian cricket—invest in youth, and give it time to flourish. With his composure, class, and growing cricketing intelligence, Shubman Gill is well-positioned to lead India’s Test team into a new era. But for him to succeed, the system must support him—win or lose.

As the second Test at Edgbaston approaches, all eyes will be on how Gill responds to pressure—not just as a batter but as a captain with a future.