Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir vows to shield Shubman Gill

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed unwavering support for Test captain Shubman Gill, asserting that he will stand by the young leader as long as he continues to act and speak with integrity. Praising the 25-year-old’s maturity and composure, Gambhir lauded how Gill has handled himself since taking over the captaincy.

Gambhir recalled his first conversation with Gill after he was appointed India’s Test captain ahead of the tour of England earlier this year. He described it as a pivotal moment that tested the youngster’s leadership and temperament under immense pressure — a challenge Gill met with remarkable poise.

“Picking a 25-year-old to captain a Test side, I told him clearly: ‘We’ve thrown you into the deep sea. From here, you’ll either drown or become a world-class swimmer,’” Gambhir revealed. “For me, the 750 runs in England matter less than how he managed himself, the team, and the pressure.”

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Gill’s appointment came during a turbulent period for Indian cricket, following the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma midway through the IPL. With India reeling from series defeats to Australia and New Zealand, the team faced mounting pressure heading into England. Yet, Gill rose to the occasion, guiding India to a 2-2 draw in the fiercely contested five-Test series.

Initially questioned for his inconsistency in Tests and his struggles at No. 3, Gill silenced critics with a stunning run in England — scoring four centuries, including a double, while batting at No. 4. He finished the series with 754 runs and later notched his fifth century as captain in New Delhi, matching Virat Kohli’s record for most hundreds by an Indian Test captain in a calendar year.

Reflecting on the campaign, Gambhir said, “That two-month period in England was probably the toughest challenge he will ever face. Our side was inexperienced, and England’s batting lineup was intimidating. Yet, he handled it superbly. After the Oval Test, I told him, ‘You’ve passed your toughest test. The transition is complete. From here, it only gets easier.’”

Gambhir emphasized that while Gill’s performances were exceptional, it was his calm leadership that impressed him most. “He was under immense pressure — more than anyone else. Yet in those 25 days, he never showed frustration or stress. He led the team with a smile. He deserves every bit of success.”

The head coach also pledged to shoulder the burden of criticism to protect his young captain. “My job is to take pressure off him,” Gambhir said. “I’m ready to absorb all the criticism for him as long as he keeps doing the right things for the team, stays transparent, and remains honest with his players. That’s the only way to earn respect.”

Gambhir acknowledged that Gill’s leadership journey is still in its early stages, with only six Tests under his belt. “He’s still a work in progress. Tough days will come — both for him and the team. I’m eager to see how he reacts when things don’t go his way. So far, he’s been brilliant — honest, hard-working, and composed. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for more from a captain who’s ticking all the right boxes,” he concluded.