IND vs ENG: Sanjay Manjrekar Overlooks Virat Kohli in Praise of Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, the newly appointed Test captain of India, showcased a fiery side during Day 2 of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy match against England at Headingley on June 22, 2025. His animated celebration when Mohammed Siraj seemed to dismiss Joe Root was a highlight, although the decision was later overturned by the DRS. Gill’s outstanding performance included a century, making him the fifth Indian captain to achieve this milestone on debut, further solidifying his role as a leader in the Test arena.
## Gill’s Passionate Leadership
During the match, Shubman Gill’s emotional display on the field drew comparisons to the passionate leadership of his predecessor, Virat Kohli. When Siraj took Root’s apparent wicket, Gill’s exuberance was palpable as he rushed toward his bowler, pointing in celebration. However, the moment was short-lived as the DRS review revealed that Root had not edged the ball. Commentary from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar noted the stark contrast between Gill’s usual calm demeanor while batting and his fervent leadership. Manjrekar remarked on the unique nature of Gill’s celebrations, suggesting that they were reminiscent of past Indian captains, yet distinctly his own.
This incident not only highlighted Gill’s energetic approach to captaincy but also marked a significant shift in his on-field persona. As he adjusts to his new role, fans and commentators alike are eager to see how this new side of him will evolve throughout the series.
## Historic Century on Debut
Shubman Gill’s century in his first Test as captain places him in a distinguished group of Indian cricketers. He became the fifth Indian to score a hundred on captaincy debut, joining the ranks of legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli. This remarkable achievement underscores Gill’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in a pivotal match against England.
In reaching this milestone, Gill also crossed 2,000 Test runs in just 60 innings, matching the record set by Kohli during his own captaincy debut. This significant accomplishment reflects Gill’s talent and potential to become one of India’s leading batsmen. His century also made him the 23rd player in Test history to score a hundred in their first match as captain, and the fourth-youngest to do so, following in the footsteps of cricketing greats.
## Evolving Leadership Style
The dynamic shift in Shubman Gill’s demeanor has sparked conversations among cricket analysts and former players. His transition from a composed batsman to a more animated captain suggests a promising evolution in his leadership style. Experts like Navjot Singh Sidhu and Varun Aaron have commented on how this newfound expressiveness may impact the Indian Test team’s performance in the ongoing series against England.
Gill’s on-field antics, particularly his animated reactions, may resonate well with fans and teammates, fostering a more engaging team environment. This visible transformation may also inspire his fellow players to elevate their performance levels, especially in crucial moments of the match. As Gill continues to navigate his role as captain, the cricketing world watches closely to see how this vibrant style influences the Indian team’s strategy and morale.
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