Former England captain urges Shubman Gill to channel Kohli’s mentality in Do-or-Die Test

With the series on the line and England firmly in command, Shubman Gill and Team India face a defining Day 3 at Old Trafford. The scoreboard reads 241/2 in reply to India’s 358, but the gap in momentum feels far wider. 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has sounded the alarm and it’s loud.

“Bring the Virat Mentality”

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan didn’t hold back in his assessment. “India and Shubman have to arrive with that Virat mentality, ‘We have to win Day 3’. If they lose Day 3, this series is gone for them.”

With England already leading the five-match series 2-1, Vaughan’s words underscore the urgency: Day 3 isn’t just another day—it’s India’s last shot at staying alive.

England’s Dominance, India’s Struggles

England's openers, Ben Duckett (94) and Zak Crawley (84), lit up Day 2 with a 166-run stand that left India gasping. Joe Root and Ollie Pope now hold the reins as England eye a mammoth first-innings total.

On the bowling front, India looked flat. Debutant Anshul Kamboj struggled with rhythm, while Jasprit Bumrah remained surprisingly ineffective with the new ball. Tactics and field placements also drew criticism, raising concerns about Gill’s leadership under pressure.

Gill’s Crucible Moment

After a listless performance at Lord’s and now another underwhelming day, questions are mounting over Shubman Gill’s tactical maturity. With India slipping toward another overseas setback, Day 3 could either revive their hopes or seal their fate.

As Vaughan warned: it’s time for Gill to lead like Kohli or prepare to watch the series slip away.