Should Gill Emulate Kohli's Winning Toss Strategy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In the ongoing Test series against England, Mohammad Kaif advises Shubman Gill to adopt Virat Kohli's winning strategy of batting first after winning the toss. With India trailing in the series, will this shift in approach help them turn the tide? Discover the insights from Kaif and the implications for Gill’s captaincy.
Key Takeaways
- Winning the toss is crucial.
- Batting first can set a target for the opponents.
- Shubman Gill is still learning as a captain.
- Past experiences are valuable for future growth.
- India's performance can improve with strategic decisions.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has weighed in on Shubman Gill's leadership during the current Test series against England, emphasizing how the results of the toss have impacted the outcomes of the matches. He suggested that Gill should adopt the strategy of former captain Virat Kohli: "Win the toss and bat; put runs on the board."
In the five-match series, Gill has lost all three tosses thus far. India batted first in two of those matches and chased in one. Their only defeat occurred in the third Test at Lord's where the hosts chose to bat first, leaving India to pursue.
Kaif believes that the choice to bowl first—although not made by Gill—was detrimental and stresses the importance of establishing a target early in Test cricket.
"So far, Shubman Gill has lost three tosses—two where we batted first and one where we chased. We lost the match where we bowled first. I don’t believe that choosing to field was the correct decision.
"Moving forward, win the toss and bat—just like Virat Kohli did. Put runs on the board, no matter the swing or weather forecast. That’s the attitude we need. Shubman is still young and learning—he has the potential to develop into a strong leader. These experiences will help him grow," Kaif mentioned in an exclusive dialogue with IANS.
After suffering a five-wicket defeat in the series opener at Leeds, India made a remarkable recovery in the second Test. With disciplined bowling and significantly enhanced fielding, the visitors dismissed England for 271 on the final day, achieving a memorable 336-run victory with more than a session to spare at England's stronghold, Edgbaston. However, the hosts clinched a nail-biting 22-run victory on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s.
India now trails the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 1-2 and faces a challenging road ahead in their quest to win the series.
The fourth Test between India and England is set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Point of View
It is evident that Toss outcomes significantly influence match results in cricket. Former players like Mohammad Kaif bring valuable insights to the table. Shubman Gill's leadership journey is still in its infancy, and learning from past experiences, especially regarding toss decisions, will be crucial as India aims to make a comeback in the series.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What advice did Mohammad Kaif give to Shubman Gill?
Mohammad Kaif advised Shubman Gill to win the toss and choose to bat first, emulating Virat Kohli's successful strategy.
How many tosses has Shubman Gill lost in the series?
So far, Shubman Gill has lost all three tosses in the ongoing series against England.
What was India's performance in the second Test?
India bounced back impressively in the second Test, securing a 336-run victory against England.
When and where is the fourth Test scheduled?
The fourth Test between India and England is set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Is Shubman Gill considered a potential future leader?
Yes, Mohammad Kaif believes that Shubman Gill has the potential to grow into a strong leader through his experiences.
