Shubman Gill’s first time as Test captain ended well. India drew the series 2-2 with England at home. Former New Zealand player Craig McMillan said Gill needs to find his own leadership style.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not around, many young players are trying to find their place in India’s Test team. Even coach Gautam Gambhir says it’s not a transitional phase, but the England Tests showed the team needs time to get to its best.
Many players are waiting for their chance, while others have taken a step back after showing what they can do in Tests. One of those is Hardik Pandya.
India may not be thinking about Pandya, who had a decent Test career with 532 runs and 17 wickets from 11 matches, but McMillan brought up the all-rounder position. Experts have said India needs Pandya, especially when playing abroad. McMillan, who now coaches the New Zealand women’s team, thinks India is missing Pandya as a fast-bowling all-rounder in foreign conditions.
McMillan told the Times of India that in Asia, you need a spin-bowling all-rounder like Jadeja, Washington or Ashwin. But in places like New Zealand, Australia and England, you need someone who can bowl medium pace and bat lower down the order, and that’s where India misses a player like Hardik Pandya.
It’s been seven years since Pandya played a Test match. His last one was in 2018 against England. Injuries have plagued his career and since recovering, he has focused on shorter formats of the game. Hardik has played 11 Tests, scored 532 runs with one century and four fifties. He has also taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.05.
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McMillan also said Gill needs to develop his team’s playing style with the coach to improve. He said when India played under Virat Kohli, they were aggressive. It might be different with Gill because of his personality and he needs to figure that out with Gambhir.McMillan had good things to say about Gill but also said he needs to learn more which will come with experience.
He thinks Gill is a good captain but the first series is always tough and he probably made some mistakes which is normal. McMillan believes Gill will get better and India will invest in him because he is the future. He said it’s important for Gill to understand his team’s game and playing style.
With the England series done and dusted, Indian fans are now looking forward to Suryakumar Yadav to lead the team in the Asia Cup starting September 10 against the UAE.
