New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir shared insights on Shubman Gill's journey as a captain, noting that it is still very early in his leadership career and he has yet to encounter the inevitable challenging days of captaincy. Gambhir commended Gill's skill in managing pressure and difficult circumstances.

Gill succeeded Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format earlier this year. His first major challenge as the full-time Test captain was a gripping five-match series against England, which concluded in a 2-2 tie.

He celebrated his first Test series victory as India captain with a commanding seven-wicket win against the West Indies in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.

While discussing Gill’s captaincy on JioHotstar, Gambhir remarked, “It’s still very early days—he has led only a handful of Test matches thus far. The most vital trait I observe is his capacity to manage pressure and challenging scenarios. Gill is undoubtedly a work in progress; he hasn’t yet faced the toughest moments of captaincy, which will inevitably occur. It will test him both personally and as a leader, and I look forward to seeing how he reacts when challenges arise.

“I’ve assured him of my unwavering support, guidance, and protection. My role as a coach is to alleviate the pressure and criticism he encounters, as long as he continues to do what’s right for the team and maintains transparency and honesty with the players in the dressing room. That is fundamental for earning respect.

“So far, he has exhibited exemplary qualities—transparent, upfront, diligent, and focused on doing the right things. What more could a coach desire from a captain willing to risk everything?”

Reflecting on the hurdles Gill encountered during his initial period of Test leadership, Gambhir mentioned that leading a young team against a formidable England squad was the most significant test he faced.

“I distinctly remember our initial conversation with him as captain. We candidly told him that we had thrown him into a deep end—either he would sink or become a world-class swimmer. Those 750 runs in England? They didn’t hold much significance to me; whether he scored them on this tour or the next, it was the manner in which he carried himself under pressure that mattered most. Leading a youthful squad against a strong England team, I believe he faced the most formidable challenge of his captaincy. Regardless of how long he leads—be it two months or ten years—this was a pivotal test.”

“After our victory at the Oval Test, I told him he had successfully navigated his toughest challenge—that the transition was complete and things should become easier now. I genuinely hope it is so, as he truly deserves it. Many unfair criticisms have been directed at him, but I believe we frequently evaluate players based on potential and expectations—like a 24 or 25-year-old achieving a 50-plus Test average and succeeding universally. That requires time, and he possesses the potential.

“I wasn’t surprised he scored 700-750 runs, but I was more taken by his leadership. Throughout those 25 days of intense cricket, I never noticed even a hint of frustration or pressure on his face. He led with a smile, even under tremendous stress, and he genuinely deserves every ounce of success now and in the future—because everyone involved in that journey merits it,” he concluded.

Following India’s Test series triumph against the West Indies, Gill now gears up for the ‘Toughest Rivalry’ as he prepares to lead India in his inaugural ODI series against Australia on their home turf.