New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria is of the opinion that Shubman Gill, the captain of India, has made a significant impact with his leadership debut by steering a youthful squad to a commendable 2-2 Test series draw against England. This achievement is expected to act as a powerful motivator for Gill as he progresses in his cricketing journey.

Prior to the commencement of the tour, Gill's selection as Test captain following the departures of former leaders Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was met with mixed reactions. However, he not only proved his critics wrong but also elevated his performance as a batsman, concluding the five-match series with a total of 754 runs, including four centuries.

"Kudos to the crowd; they made it feel as though the match was taking place in India. Shubman Gill exhibited exceptional captaincy throughout the series, and his strategic decisions on the final day were crucial for India. His choice to stick with the old ball greatly aided the team," Kaneria told IANS.

"This series was pivotal for Shubman Gill as it marked his inaugural series as captain. Drawing a series overseas with a youthful squad provides significant motivation for him. He will gain invaluable experience moving forward, and although there will always be uncertainties, I believe he can emerge as a stellar captain in the long term. He managed the pressure remarkably well, marking a promising beginning to his captaincy career.

The former spinner also heaped praise on pacer Mohammed Siraj for his stellar performance on the final day of the series, which enabled India to clinch the fifth Test by a narrow six runs and equalize the series at 2-2.

"Siraj was phenomenal with the ball; his performance was nothing short of amazing. It brings me joy to see a player like him. He never gives up. After the loss at Lord's, he was determined to lead India to victory at The Oval and draw the series. He put his heart and soul into the game. It was an exhilarating win and a thrilling Test match to witness," he remarked.

"This Test was crucial for India, especially without Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah, as the series was at stake. The team aimed to secure a win and make a statement. They faced criticism before the tour, yet they ensured a formidable challenge. This team has raised public expectations. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair all played crucial roles," Kaneria added.

In addition to the runs scored and wickets taken, the series will be remembered for the bravery exhibited by Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes, who both played through injuries for the sake of their nation. Kaneria highlighted that such acts serve as motivation for all, recalling Anil Kumble's determination to bowl with a broken jaw against the West Indies in 2002.

"Such acts are incredibly motivating. Chris Woakes deserves recognition for his contributions. When you represent your country, pain becomes secondary. We have seen this before; Anil Kumble is a prime example of dedication. It serves as great motivation for everyone. Rishabh Pant also managed to score runs despite fracturing his foot. Woakes played through severe pain, showcasing the beauty of the sport," he concluded.