Shastri Backs Gill for Stardom, Warns of Disappointment if Potential Goes Unfulfilled

Shastri Predicts Bright Future for Gill, Expects Disappointment if Potential Untapped

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made a bold prediction regarding the future of India's newest Test captain, Shubman Gill. Shastri believes that Gill possesses the talent and temperament to achieve great things in the coming years, expressing that he would be "disappointed" if Gill doesn't fulfill his potential.

Shubman Gill preparing for a match.

"I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places," Shastri told Wisden, highlighting the young captain's inherent qualities. "Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element of being regal out there when he’s batting."

Shastri emphasized the importance of adaptability and experience for Gill's continued growth. "If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that’s the one name I can see."

He also noted Gill's maturity beyond his years, particularly in handling media interactions. "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 advocated for a patient approach with Gill, urging the team management to provide him with a consistent run. "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."

Gill recently marked his Test captaincy debut with a remarkable century in Headingley, joining an esteemed group of Indian cricketers including Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli who have achieved this feat. He became the 23rd player overall to score a century on debut as captain, ranking as the fourth-youngest to do so.

India’s right-arm seamer Prasidh Krishna has also praised Shubman Gill's captaincy, noting the positive atmosphere he cultivates within the team.

“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 times, and saw opportunities to bring 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.”