Following Rohit Sharma’s surprise resignation from Test cricket, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as captain of the Indian men’s cricket team. The former India batter Gautam Gambhir is currently coaching the team, and both fans and experts are unsure of who is the true leader in the locker room. Irfan Pathan, an attacking all-rounder, recently responded to the question by analyzing the state of affairs in the Indian setup.
According to Pathan, with Gambhir and Gill leading the charge, the BCCI should aim for open communication going ahead. The Baroda native believes that it is crucial for everyone to know who is driving the squad forward, that is, who is in command, regardless of anyone else. Gill still has a lot to learn as India’s captain, according to Pathan, but his first assignment has been nothing short of spectacular.
“I think the message should go out loud and clear to every player – more than the media or the fans – that who the engine of this train is, so that the train reaches a single destination, no matter the speed. Shubman Gill’s captaincy will get better with time, he’ll learn the art of leadership more, but what he already has done is great,” the cricketer-turned-commentator told RevSportz.
“The selection committee had a discussion with him, that as soon as he gets free from Test cricket, you will get yourself back. There are a lot of questions in the media, I understand, but Indian cricket goes according to a plan and that’s how it has always been. Selection board, management has the responsibility and I think that going in one direction is important. And this is what it seems like Indian cricket is doing with Shubman Gill right now.”
Irfan Pathan
Speaking of leadership, Shubman Gill is anticipated to return to his duties during the forthcoming home Test series against the West Indies, which consists of two matches. The first of the two red-ball matches between India and the Caribbean team is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In addition to being Gill’s first home series as India’s Test captain, the series will start on October 2.
