Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended Shubman Gill after his critics resurfaced following a tough Test series in Australia. The 25-year-old responded in style, finishing as the top run-scorer in the 3-0 ODI series win over England with 259 runs at an average of 86.33 and a strike rate of 103.60. Gill was named Player of the Series, scoring 50+ in all three matches, including a brilliant 112 in the final game. Gambhir praised Gill’s performance in the press conference post-series win [via India Today].
“We tend to judge players too quickly after each innings, but it’s important to remember he’s only 25. He’s a young batter with a bright future ahead. If he’s shown consistency in one format, like in 50-over cricket, it’s a sign that he has the potential for Test cricket as well. Test cricket is a tough challenge, and he’s proven that he’s capable at that level. I’m hopeful that he’ll continue to grow and deliver in that format moving forward. Consistency in limited-overs cricket is often a good indicator of what can come in the longer format.”
“We can’t keep making judgments based on just one performance. That’s not the way forward for Indian cricket. It’s time to trust our young players. He’s just 25—imagine the possibilities in the next few years if we continue to back him and others in the team.”
“This is just the beginning for him. Hopefully, he can stay grounded and keep learning. He’s taken on the vice-captaincy role with a positive attitude, and his performances in the recent series have been really consistent. Now that he has this added responsibility, it should only help him grow even further. I believe he can keep performing well, especially with the Champions Trophy coming up.”
India’s victory in the series against England marked their first win in the 50-over format since Gautam Gambhir assumed the role of head coach last year. The Men in Blue will next be seen in action on February 20, 2025, when they face Bangladesh in their opening match of the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
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