How well does 'Amazing' Gill handle captaincy responsibilities?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill's leadership has been pivotal for the team.
- India's 336-run victory marks their biggest away Test win.
- Strong bowling and improved fielding were critical in the second Test.
- Overconfidence from England contributed to their defeat.
- India is positioned well to win the ongoing series.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal showered accolades on Shubman Gill for adeptly managing the challenges of being a Test captain, emphasizing his role in guiding the team to a significant victory while also excelling in his individual performance.
India entered the second Test at Edgbaston with a record of not having won any Test matches at this venue. Gill orchestrated a remarkable 336-run victory, amassing a remarkable total of 430 runs during the match. This win in Birmingham marks India's largest away Test victory by runs.
After facing a five-wicket defeat in the series opener in Leeds, India's bowling and fielding faced intense scrutiny. Nevertheless, the visitors made a strong comeback in the second Test, dismissing England for 271 on the final day with over a session to spare, thereby equalizing the series at 1-1.
"India showed their dominance in both Test matches. They lost the previous one mainly due to subpar fielding; otherwise, their performance was commendable. The bowling unit did an outstanding job—our bowling was considerably superior to that of England. In the last match, we bowled a bit short, which allowed England to chase down the target successfully.
"Shubman Gill is the talk of the town; he’s leading from the front. This young man is incredible. There’s pressure in life, but the pressure of being a captain is distinct—you bear responsibilities, are expected to deliver results, and must also focus on your own performance. He balanced both aspects exceptionally well.
"However, it's not solely about Gill; it also involves Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul in the first Test, Jaiswal, and Jadeja. When you perform like this, you maximize your chances of winning," Madan Lal remarked to IANS.
The former cricketer further expressed that the host England appeared overly confident following their win in the first Test, pointing to their decision to allow India to bat first at Edgbaston.
"I believe England were overconfident. After winning the toss, they chose to let India bat first on such a favorable pitch—they must have assumed they could chase it down easily. That mindset reflects arrogance; in cricket, such an approach can lead to repercussions. Their bowling attack also lacked the strength of India’s," he commented.
The 74-year-old concluded with optimism, stating that given the current performance of Gill and his teammates, India has a strong opportunity to clinch the series.
"I am confident that India stands a good chance of winning the series. The team’s current form suggests it won’t be an easy task for England," he added.