India vs England series result must not cloud judgment of Gill’s captaincy: Shastri

India's new era in Test cricket started on the wrong note at Headingley, Leeds, against the Three Lions. Despite an impressive show by the top-order batters, other departments failed to show up as the guests kicked off the India vs England series with a 5-wicket defeat. Shubman Gill, who hit a ton to become India's fifth player to mark his captaincy debut with a century, met an anti-climactic fate, starting his leadership era with a loss. Now, as the fraternity rips into the team plans and individual performances, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has turned up to shield the young skipper.

Shubman Gill came to the fore when Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced his Test retirement earlier in May ahead of the new WTC cycle. With the India vs England series closing in, the management opted for the youngster to take over the leading position. Meanwhile, India's primary pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, clarified that he didn't join the captaincy race as he needed to focus on his workload management. Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, came up as Gill's aid, as India's new vice-captain.

Now, Shubman Gill’s stint as Test captain might have started on a sour note, but Ravi Shastri remains unwavering in his belief that the youngster has all the makings of a long-term leader. In a recent conversation, Shastri voiced his support for Gill. The former Indian skipper stated that the 25-year-old will grow into the captaincy role with more time and exposure. Moreover, Shastri also pressed that even as India trail 0-1 in the five-Test India vs England series, the result doesn't cast any shadow on Gill's captaincy.

“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. If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that’s the one name I can see,” said Shastri. 

A true captain leads off the field as well. Ravi Shastri talked about seeing the spark in Gill that will make him great. According to the seasoned analyst, Gill has evolved as a player in terms of handling the media. Gill's interactions, following his adaptation to the new role, have matured, evident in how the Indian captain presents himself during press conferences and at the toss.

“He’s matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses, he’s matured a lot,” Shastri observed. “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 added

Shastri also praised the young captain’s growth off the pitch, noting that leadership is about more than just tactical moves. Even under the spotlight after the opening defeat, Gill appeared composed, especially with the bat in hand. He launched his leadership chapter with a well-crafted century in the first innings, though he failed to replicate that form in the second. Still, his approach suggested he wasn't weighed down by the expectations that come with captaincy.