Could Gill's Aggression Signal His Leadership?

Manchester, July 22 (NationPress) As the vital fourth Test approaches at Old Trafford on Wednesday, cricketing icon Ricky Ponting has expressed his support for India’s captain, Shubman Gill, regarding his aggressive behavior on the field during the Lord's Test, stating that he was defending his team.

Entering the Lord’s Test with the series tied at 1-1, the third Test between England and India was marked by intense competition. A particularly charged moment occurred late on Day 3, when Gill engaged in a spirited exchange with England's openers.

After India equaled England's first-innings score of 387, they aimed to squeeze in two quick overs in the last six minutes. However, Zak Crawley's delay, as he pulled out of two deliveries during Jasprit Bumrah's run-up and called for the physio for a hand issue, sparked a heated clash between Gill and the two openers.

Ponting recognized that Gill’s display of aggression at Lord’s surprised many.

“That was a bit out of character from what I've known of Shubman previously,” Ponting remarked to host Sanjana Ganesan in the latest episode of The ICC Review. “I’m sure everyone who witnessed it, including you who know him well, would agree that it’s not usually his style.”

Nevertheless, the former Australian captain articulated that Gill's actions were indicative of him standing up for his team.

“That’s the captain defending his squad, asserting that it’s his team now, and this is how we will approach the game. He also seems eager to push back a little,” he added.

Ponting, who has played in Tests across England during four tours, including two as captain (2005 and 2009), noted that the pressures of such a high-stakes tour can be challenging for a leader.

“The UK can be a tough venue for play. While the crowds are passionate about their game, they can also be one of the most intimidating audiences globally,” he noted.

“The media during a significant series, whether it’s an Ashes or England vs. India, can feel like they’re always on your back.”

Ponting also believed that during a high-pressure Test, which India narrowly lost by just 22 runs, Gill needed to affirm his leadership, similar to the approach of former captain Virat Kohli.

“I see this as him beginning to assert his influence on his team, much like Virat did, in his own way. Rohit (Sharma) has probably never been as verbally aggressive, especially towards opposing players,” he observed.

“I know Rohit often got assertive with his teammates to motivate them. But I appreciate watching Shubman advocate for what he believed was right in last week’s game.”