Gautam Gambhir remarked that Shubman Gill is still new to captaincy and his real test will come when he faces tough situations that challenge his leadership.
Since taking charge as India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill has guided the team to four wins in seven matches, including a 2-2 draw against England and a clean sweep over West Indies at home. Despite the promising start, head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Gill’s leadership journey is still in its early stages.
Gambhir feels that true growth as a captain comes when facing difficult phases that test both composure and decision-making. He noted that the 26-year-old has yet to encounter major challenges that could shape his leadership character.
“It’s still very early days—he has captained only a few Test matches so far. The most important quality I see is his ability to handle pressure and tough situations. Gill is very much a work in progress; he hasn’t yet faced the worst days of captaincy, which will inevitably come. It will test him personally and as a leader and I want to see how he responds when things don’t go his way,” Gambhir said on JioStar.
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“I’ve told him I’m always here to support, back, and protect him. My role as coach is to take the pressure and criticism off his shoulders, as long as he does the right things for the team and remains transparent and honest with the players inside the dressing room. That is the foundation for earning respect. So far, he has been absolutely brilliant—transparent, upfront, hardworking, and focused on doing the right things. What more can a coach ask of a captain who is willing to put everything on the line?” he added.
Shubman Gill will next lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19 at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Following the ODIs, India and Australia will play five T20Is, with Gill as vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav.
Last Updated on October 15, 2025
