ENG vs IND 2025: 'The run machine will start running again' - Sanjay Manjrekar backs Shubman Gill to score big in Manchester

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed confidence that Shubman Gill will pile on runs in the upcoming Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Gill, who is captaining the Indian side, had a quiet outing at Lord’s, where he was dismissed for 16 and 6 in his two innings. India went on to lose the third Test by 22 runs and trail the five-match series 1-2. Manjrekar suggested that the eight-day break between the third and fourth Test might prove beneficial for Gill, giving him time to reflect and refocus.

"I believe he has the ability to carry forward his form. During this break, perhaps with some introspection and conversations with his friends and father about the recent altercation. He just needs to focus on his captaincy, fielding, tactics, and batting. If he does that, I believe the run-making machine that was once in motion is well-oiled and will start running again at Old Trafford,” Manjrekar told JioHotstar as quoted by India Today.

Manjrekar pointed out that the team performed fairly well in the first innings despite limited contribution from Gill. He considered this a positive takeaway, suggesting that the batting unit showed encouraging signs even without a particular player making an impact.

“His role is important, but India will also reflect on the fact that in the third Test match at Lord's, there was no contribution from Gill with the bat. Despite that, India's batting line-up still managed to challenge England. So, that's a good takeaway - we are not completely dependent on Gill,” Manjrekar added.

Gill remains the standout performer in the ongoing Test series against England. Since taking over the captaincy, the 25-year-old has been in arguably the best form of his career, leading the run-scoring charts with 607 runs from three matches. He began the series with a brilliant 147 at Headingley, Leeds, and followed it up with exceptional knocks of 269 and 161 in the two innings at Edgbaston, Birmingham. There is every expectation that the Indian captain will look to bounce back, especially as India aim to level the series.