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Shubman Gill faces pressure as India’s Test captain ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Manjrekar backs him to bounce back with focus on captaincy, tactics, and batting.
Shubman Gill has two centuries and a double century on the ongoing England tour. (AP Photo)
Shubman Gill’s journey as India’s Test captain has been a roller-coaster ride so far. History suggests that England tours have always tested India’s calibre, and to captain the side in one of them takes determination and courage. The ongoing one – the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy – is no different.
The ongoing one – the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy – has been no different. Although Gill enjoyed batting on the English surfaces, the team under his leadership is yet to show consistency. India lost the first Test in Leeds and, after scripting history at Edgbaston, they suffered another heartbreak at Lord’s.
The next hurdle is Old Trafford, another unconquered fortress for India. But more than the historic factor, Gill & Co. need a victory to keep the series alive. A loss in Manchester would result in another Test series defeat on English soil.
Gill must be under pressure, both as a batter and a leader. He may have become the highest run-scorer for Indian in a Test series in England, but couldn’t make a significant impact in the last match, where India lost by 22 runs.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Gill needs to focus on captaincy and batting to get back to the run-scoring spree.
“His role is important, but India will also reflect on the fact that in the third Test match at Lord’s, there was no contribution from Gill with the bat. Despite that, India’s batting line-up still managed to challenge England. So, that’s a good takeaway — we are not completely dependent on Gill,” Manjrekar said on JioHotstar.
“I believe he has the ability to carry forward his form. During this break, perhaps with some introspection and conversations with his friends and father about the recent altercation.”
“He just needs to focus on his captaincy, fielding, tactics, and batting. If he does that, I believe the run-making machine that was once in motion is well-oiled and will start running again at Old Trafford,” he added.
The fourth Test of the series will begin on July 23.
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
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