ENG vs IND 2025: Shubman Gill has been consistent but defensive as captain, says Ajay Jadeja

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes Shubman Gill's captaincy during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was on the defensive side, but he also praised the young skipper for maintaining consistency in his approach. His remarks came after India edged past England by six runs in a thrilling fifth and final Test at The Oval on Monday, August 4 to end the series level at 2–2.

"If we see his captaincy throughout the series, he has been consistent. He has been defensive. The kind of team you picked in the first match was the first signal. After that, he has been corrective. When he felt there was a shortcoming, he changed it the next time," Jadeja said on Sony Sports.

"His approach is not aggressive. He has a defensive approach. However, one good thing was seen, although I might not agree with it, but the solidity was seen, and that is also evident on the scoreline," he added.

Jadeja noted that while India appeared to be the stronger side throughout the series, the contest still ended in a draw. He suggested that the team selections across all five Tests reflected a mindset geared more towards avoiding defeat than pushing for victory.

Despite this, Jadeja commended Gill for remaining consistent in his tactical approach, particularly during high-pressure moments. He highlighted Gill’s decision not to bring fielders in, even on the final ball of an over, when an injured Chris Woakes joined Gus Atkinson at the crease.

"He has shown his consistency. He has shown his calmness. Today, there was a moment when he had to make a lot of decisions. When a single was required off the last ball, he didn't change his strategy. He still had fielders on the boundary. A single was also taken twice. This is a massive strength for anyone," Jadeja said.

"I might want him to be aggressive, you might want him to be defensive, a third person might want something else, but if the one who has to make the decision sticks to his thought process, that is also a very important aspect. I would give 100 percent for that aspect," Jadeja added.