India Concludes Series with Victory Over England; Karthik Praises Gill’s Leadership

Following India’s thrilling triumph over England in the fifth Test, former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik commended Shubman Gill’s captaincy. He also advised the young captain to moderate his aggression, suggesting that he occasionally overstepped during the tour.

In discussions with the Indian media, Karthik acknowledged Gill’s assertive leadership style, noting instances where he pushed boundaries. However, Karthik expressed confidence that Gill would mature and refine his approach over time.

“He displayed aggression at times, even exceeding acceptable limits on occasion. I anticipate a change in that aspect of his leadership, though I hope it’s not excessive. Importantly, his handling of the English media was commendable,” Karthik stated.

Gill’s arrival in the United Kingdom was met with scrutiny due to his modest Test average in the mid-30s, leading some critics to question his place in the team.

However, he silenced these doubters by emerging as the series’ top scorer, amassing 754 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 75.40.

“Entering this series, concerns were raised about Shubman Gill’s performance away from India. He responded by declaring his ambition to be the leading batter across both teams. Confidence is crucial, but it must be supported by skill,” Karthik noted.

“He demonstrated thorough preparation, addressing vulnerabilities in his batting against incoming deliveries by refining his technique,” Karthik elaborated.

Karthik particularly lauded Gill’s exceptional performance in the second Test at Edgbaston. There, Gill achieved a historic feat, becoming the first player in Test history to score a double-century and a 150 in the same match.

“His hunger and determination were evident in his achievements. The extended periods he spent batting during his 269 and the century at Edgbaston were truly remarkable,” Karthik concluded.

Notably, Gill’s appointment as captain of the Indian Test team followed Rohit Sharma’s retirement announcement from the format before the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.