IND vs ENG | Shubman Gill the captain: Not remote controlled but leading in his own way
As India faces off against England in a crucial leg of the tour, the spotlight has quietly but firmly settled on Shubman Gill, who is donning the captain’s hat in select matches. Still in his early 20s, Gill’s promotion as skipper has prompted widespread discussions. Is he being remotely guided by the dressing room, or is he carving out a leadership path of his own?
From what we’ve seen so far, Gill is very much his own man — calm, assured, and growing into a captaincy style that mirrors his batting: composed, elegant, and quietly assertive.
A Natural Transition or a Tactical Move?
The decision to hand over the reins to Shubman Gill for certain white-ball matches has come at a time when India is carefully rotating senior players and exploring leadership depth. With Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya unavailable or rested intermittently, Gill has emerged as a natural choice — not just because of his talent, but because of his temperament.
This isn’t merely a placeholder role. The BCCI and team management appear to be testing the waters with younger leaders who could form the next-gen leadership core. And Shubman Gill, with his growing experience and mature head on young shoulders, fits the bill.
Remote Controlled? Not Quite
Critics often wonder whether young captains like Gill are “remote controlled” — taking field decisions based on signals or whispers from more senior figures or the dressing room. But watching Gill on the field paints a different picture.
He’s not loud or animated, but there’s a quiet confidence in the way he sets fields, rotates bowlers, and backs players even after an expensive over. Whether it’s making on-the-fly bowling changes or moving fielders based on matchups, Gill seems to have a clear plan — and more importantly, the guts to stick to it.
Calm Demeanour, Strong Presence
Gill’s calmness is his strength. In high-pressure moments, when many captains might show frustration or get overly involved, Gill remains composed. It’s this same trait that serves him well as an opener — soaking up pressure, reading situations, and responding with intent.
This composed exterior, however, doesn’t mean he’s passive. Teammates have noted his positive energy, willingness to listen, and ability to make tactical decisions without second-guessing.
Mentored, Not Controlled
There’s no doubt that Gill benefits from the presence of seasoned campaigners like Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and even Virat Kohli in the dressing room. But mentorship is not the same as control. It’s clear from the way he handles bowlers and reacts to unfolding match scenarios that Gill is trusted to make his own calls.
For instance, in a recent ODI against England, Gill chose to keep an attacking field despite two consecutive boundaries. It was a calculated risk, and it paid off with a breakthrough. Decisions like these reflect someone thinking deeply about the game — not simply acting on someone else’s instructions.
Tactical Intelligence and Match Awareness
What’s exciting about Gill’s leadership is his evolving tactical sense. He understands modern cricket — from fielding angles and match-ups to T20 innovations and DRS strategy. He uses analytics well but balances it with instinct.
In several instances, he’s shuffled bowlers not just by overs but by match-ups, surprising both opposition and fans. He’s willing to bowl part-timers to break rhythm and isn’t afraid to experiment, a quality that often separates good captains from great ones.
Player Backing and Dressing Room Respect
A captain is only as strong as the support he commands from teammates. So far, Gill seems to have struck the right chord in the dressing room. Players like Arshdeep Singh and Washington Sundar have spoken about how Gill backs them fully, even after off days.
This backing builds confidence and trust — two things that can’t be faked. His relationships with fellow youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma are also strong, which helps foster a healthy and fearless team environment.
Comparison with Past Captains
Comparisons are inevitable in Indian cricket. Some liken Gill’s style to that of Rahul Dravid, while others see a touch of MS Dhoni’s calmness in him. But it’s important to view Gill as his own brand of captain.
He’s a modern cricketer who’s grown up under multiple leadership styles — from Dhoni’s poise to Kohli’s aggression to Rohit’s strategic calm. This mix of influences shows in his approach, but he’s not trying to copy anyone. He’s learning, absorbing, and evolving.
The Road Ahead
Is Shubman Gill ready to take over as India’s full-time captain in the near future? Not yet, perhaps — but the foundation is being laid. With more exposure, a few series wins under his belt, and experience handling pressure across formats, Gill could very well become the long-term leader India needs post-Rohit.
For now, what’s clear is this: he’s not a puppet, not remotely controlled, and definitely not just warming the seat. He’s leading in his own way — and he’s doing it well.
