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The departure of Virat Kohli from Test cricket left a significant void, particularly concerning the crucial No. 4 batting position. This spot, historically occupied by cricketing legends such as Denis Compton, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Javed Miandad, Ross Taylor, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, and Steve Smith, demands exceptional skill, temperament, and the ability to construct substantial innings. The immediate contenders to fill this role were Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, both seasoned players with experience batting in various positions. While Rahul had established himself as a successful opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill's previous record in England was less encouraging, averaging a mere 14.66 with no scores exceeding 28 in three previous Tests. Despite this, Gill was given the opportunity to prove his mettle, starting with the Leeds Test. The pressure on Gill was immense, especially considering the historical significance of the No. 4 position, previously held by icons like Tendulkar and Kohli. Tendulkar always had the support of experienced players like Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohammed Azharuddin, or Kapil Dev for guidance, a luxury not readily available to Gill, who was leading a relatively young side. However, Gill displayed remarkable composure and determination, batting with a sense of purpose and authority. His debut innings as captain saw him score a magnificent 147, immediately silencing any doubts and showcasing his potential to thrive under pressure. The Birmingham Test proved to be a defining moment in Gill's captaincy and career. He achieved the rare feat of scoring a double century and a century in a single Test match, amassing a total of 430 runs. This outstanding performance cemented his position as a key player and demonstrated his ability to dominate even the most challenging conditions. Ravindra Jadeja, who spent considerable time at the crease with Gill, observed that Gill seemed unfazed by the captaincy or any additional responsibility. Jadeja noted that Gill appeared confident and in control, making it seem improbable that he would get out. This observation highlights Gill's mental fortitude and his ability to focus on his batting without being overwhelmed by the pressures of leadership. Gill entered the series with a Test average below 36 but openly expressed his ambition to be the best in the series. His average has already surged to 42.72, reflecting his significant improvement and the impact of his recent performances. This demonstrates his commitment to self-improvement and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Gill's journey to securing the No. 4 position has not been without its challenges. He faced criticism after scoring only 93 runs in five innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. There were even calls to drop him for the final Test, but he survived due to Rohit Sharma's decision to withdraw. This experience served as a valuable lesson, motivating him to work on his technique and address his weaknesses. One of the key areas of improvement has been his handling of the incoming ball, which had previously troubled him. Gill has made significant technical adjustments to mitigate this vulnerability and has also focused on strengthening his defense. These improvements have allowed him to bat with greater confidence and resilience, even in challenging conditions. The mental aspect of Gill's game has also been crucial. He has had to confront the demons of the past and overcome any lingering doubts about his abilities. By developing a strong mental game, he has been able to perform consistently and make the most of his opportunities. The pressure on Gill has been immense, especially after India's defeat in the opening match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He faced widespread criticism for resting Jasprit Bumrah and not playing Kuldeep Yadav in the second game. He was acutely aware that his captaincy would be scrutinized if the team did not achieve a positive result. Despite this pressure, Gill remained composed and focused, leading the team to a remarkable victory. He forced the England team, known for their aggressive 'Bazball' approach, to rethink their strategy and plans. This demonstrates Gill's tactical acumen and his ability to adapt to different situations. The No.4 spot has traditionally been seen as a place of stability and guidance for the rest of the batting order. Tendulkar offered stability for Vengsarkar, Azharuddin and Kapil Dev. Kohli then offered stability for players coming into the side, however, Gill has had to make due with a very young side. As Gill leads the team, he seems determined to provide a similar level of support and guidance to his teammates, particularly the younger players. The comparison to Kohli and Tendulkar is a weight that any younger player would find difficult to carry.
England's assistant coach, Jeetan Patel, acknowledged the exceptional quality of Gill's batting, stating that they had 'thrown everything at him' but were unable to dislodge him. Gill's innings at Edgbaston was characterized by flawless technique, unwavering hunger, and remarkable temperament. He rarely played a false stroke during his 752 minutes at the crease, demonstrating his concentration and discipline. Gill's inspirational performance had a positive impact on his teammates. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj produced match-winning spells, fueled by Gill's example and determination. Gill's ability to inspire others is a testament to his leadership qualities and his ability to create a positive team environment. His determination to build a big innings slowly and steadily broke the backbone of the English attack. The English bowlers were so exhausted by the time his innings concluded that captain Ben Stokes was forced to make significant changes to his attack in an attempt to avoid a second consecutive defeat at Lord's. This highlights the impact of Gill's batting on the opposition and his ability to dictate the terms of the game. Gill's success at Edgbaston has raised hopes that he can emerge as a messiah for the No. 4 position, giving it a new identity and establishing himself as a key figure in Indian cricket. It had been a question of 'if not now, when?' Gill has certainly delivered on that count, proving that he has the talent, temperament, and leadership qualities to excel in this crucial role. While it is still early days in his captaincy career, Gill has shown immense promise and the potential to become a true legend of the game. His resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure suggest that he is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead. The future of Indian cricket looks bright with Shubman Gill at the helm.
Source: Resilient Shubman Gill on way to make No. 4 his own after Edgbaston masterclass - Telegraph India