ENG vs IND: "Will define his trajectory"- Greg Chappell shares how Shubman Gill can become a great test captain

Greg Chappell feels Shubman Gill’s real test as captain starts now.

The Indian Cricket Team are pulling their socks up for fourth test of the five-match series against the England Cricket Team. The match will begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. It is a must-win game for the visitors to keep their chances of series victory alive.

England lead the five-match test series 2-1. The hosts won the opening game at Headingley by five wickets. Later, the Shubman Gill-led side made a comeback in the second match at Edgbaston, winning by 336 runs. The Ben Stokes-led side then won the third test at the Lord’s by 22 runs to go ahead in the series.

Now, India need to make a comeback in the next game as England will seal the series if they win the fourth test. Ahead of the fourth test, former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell has stated that Shubman Gill’s real test as captain starts now as India trail 1-2 in the series.

This moment will define Shubman Gill’s trajectory as a test captain – Greg Chappell

In his column for ESPNcricinfo.com, Chappell wrote that Gill’s trajectory as test captain will be tested in the upcoming two games. He also added that Gill needs to set the tone for the team for the next two clashes.

“As India prepare for the final two Tests of their series in England, the spotlight now shines firmly on their 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. A bright young talent, he has shown greatness with the bat and glimpses of leadership potential, but this moment will define his trajectory as a Test captain”, he wrote.

“It’s not an easy environment in which to grow, but it’s the one he’s in – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Gill must define what sort of team he wants India to be. The captain sets the tone – not just with words, but with actions, clarity of purpose, and visible standards”, he added.

“That means demanding discipline in the field. India cannot afford to slip back into being a poor fielding side. The best teams are superb in the field. They don’t give easy runs. They don’t drop chances,” Chappel further wrote.

Chappell also added that it is the right moment for Gill to set his authority as test captain. He needs to set the standard for the team and demand that others to follow it.

“If Gill wants to become a great Test captain, this is his moment to stamp his authority. Not just with the bat, but with his leadership. Set the standard. Demand it of others. Pick your team. Back them. And make sure every man knows what is expected and hold them to it,” he wrote.

Notably, Gill helped the team to win the second test at Edgbaston with his double century and century in two innings. With 607 runs in three games, the Indian skipper is the leading run-scorer in the ongoing series.

Meanwhile, India have never won a test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Out of nine tests at the stadium, England won four games while five matches ended in a draw. Hence, India will aim to script history with a victory in Manchester in the fourth test.

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