'Don’t chop and change' - Former India coach requests BCCI to back Shubman Gill's captaincy

Shubman Gill’s stint as India’s Test captain began on a disappointing note with a defeat to England in the opening match of the five-Test series, but former head coach Ravi Shastri has shown his full support for the young leader. Shastri has requested the BCCI to show faith in Gill’s leadership regardless of the series outcome.

Gill, who succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain following the veteran’s retirement alongside Virat Kohli, was handed the responsibility of leading an inexperienced side. The first Test at Headingley saw India fall short despite Gill’s century in the first innings. England chased down a 371-run target to win the Test by five wickets and take a lead in the series. However, Shastri displayed his full trust in the youngster's captaincy abilities.

“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. 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. 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,” said Shastri as quoted by NDTV.

I think he did a pretty good job: Prasidh Krishna

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna also opened up on Gill’s leadership. He praised the captain’s ability to create a positive dressing room environment and manage his bowlers smartly.

"I think he did a pretty good job. All of us saw how he rotated the bowlers, made sure everybody had enough breaks, brought in people at the right kind of spells, saw opportunities, and brought in the right kind of bowlers. All of that was great, and knowing him, 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," the pacer said.

Meanwhile, the Indian team began their practice ahead of the Birmingham Test, which is set to begin on July 2. With India trailing 0-1 in the series, the visitors will be looking to bounce back.