"Imagine Virat Kohli in that situation"- Sanjay Manjrekar analyses Shubman Gill's 'defensive' captaincy in Leeds

Shubman Gill-led India failed to defend a 371-run target in the first test against England.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has come up with a massive statement on Shubman Gill‘s captaincy after the team’s loss in the first test against the England Cricket Team at Headingly in Leeds. He said that had Virat Kohli been in his place, he would’ve gone for wickets. 

Shubman Gill’s captaincy stint in test cricket didn’t begin the way he would’ve wanted. Under his leadership, the Indian Cricket Team faced a disappointing five-wicket loss at Headingly in Leeds, and what was surprising was that it came at a time when they were in a dominating position. 

India, who were asked to bat first, posted a massive total of 471 runs. Skipper Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) slammed centuries as they put themselves in a dominating position in the first innings itself. 

However, the bowlers didn’t support the batters as England scored 465 runs in the first innings, allowing just a six-run lead to India. The Shubman Gill-led side had a brilliant outing in the second innings as well with the bat. KL Rahul (137) and Rishabh Pant (118) hit tons to power India to 364, setting a target of 371 runs. 

Many backed India to win the game, but the bowlers, as well as skipper Shubman Gill, didn’t rise to the occasion. The captaincy looked a bit defensive as well, as they didn’t take wickets. England chased the target by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Kohli would have shown the opposition that he’s trying to get them out – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar, while analysing Shubman Gill’s leadership in Leeds, said that he had kept a defensive field. While comparing his captaincy with Virat Kohli, he said the former skipper of the team would’ve shown England that he is trying to get them out. Speaking to Star Sports, he said: 

“Overcast conditions, I know the ball wasn’t doing too much, but they pre-empted the English approach and had a far too defensive field. I hate to bring Virat Kohli as a comparison because it’s unfair on the young man, but you can just imagine Virat Kohli in that situation.”

“Whether they would have got wickets or not, Kohli would have shown the opposition that he’s trying to get them out. Gill is not that kind of personality, nor that kind of captain. But maybe don’t go so defensive, pre-empting things,” he said. 

The second test between England and India will be played from 2nd July at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Skipper Shubman Gill would want to make a comeback and help his team win.

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