Ravi Shastri Backs Shubman Gill for Test Stardom, Predicts 'Disappointment' if Potential Unfulfilled

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has made a bold prediction regarding the future of Shubman Gill as a Test captain. Shastri expressed strong confidence in Gill's potential, suggesting that he would be surprised if the young captain doesn't achieve significant success in the coming years.

Shubman Gill preparing for a match.

Shastri emphasized Gill's elegance and potential for greatness, stating, "I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element of being regal out there when he’s batting." He further added that Gill's ability to learn and adapt to different conditions will be crucial for his success.

Shastri believes in providing Gill with a consistent run in the team to allow him to flourish. "Let him be there for three years. Don’t chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you," he stated.

Gill recently marked his captaincy debut with a remarkable century in Headingley, joining an elite group of Indian cricketers. This list includes legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Dilip Vengsarkar, all of whom have scored a century on their Test captaincy debut.

Gill's achievement places him as the 23rd player overall to score a century in his debut innings as captain and the fourth-youngest to do so. He follows Herbie Taylor, Alastair Cook, and Steven Smith in this record.

India’s right-arm seamer Prasidh Krishna also praised the young captain, highlighting the positive team environment Gill has fostered. Krishna noted, "I think he did a pretty good job… he set a very good atmosphere around. He’s been speaking to all of us. We always go in with a plan, and the communication is happening there.”