Sachin Tendulkar has shared his honest opinion on Shubman Gill’s captaincy and the recent handshake controversy. According to the legendary Indian batsman, Gill has already proven himself as a calm, composed, and mature leader despite his young age. Tendulkar said, “Gill’s biggest strength is his composed mindset and measured decision making. The positive environment he creates within the team is commendable.”
He further explained that it is crucial for a captain to be in good batting form. When a skipper performs with the bat and plays confidently, his decision making becomes sharper, and that confidence spreads throughout the team. Gill has demonstrated that perfectly, scoring multiple centuries in the series, including brilliant knocks of 269 and 161 in the second Test, which boosted the team’s morale.
Addressing the handshake controversy after the Manchester Test, where Indian players avoided shaking hands with England cricketers, Tendulkar questioned the logic behind the move. He remarked, “Why should England’s bowlers be kept fresh? Cricket is not just competition; it is also a game of tradition.” He stressed that while strategic decisions are important, they should not come at the cost of sportsmanship and the spirit of the game.
Tendulkar’s evaluation reflects that Gill’s captaincy is calm, patient, and mature. He advised that India should focus on playing more disciplined and “boring” cricket rather than trying to match England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy. While Gill’s composure and batting form are praiseworthy, minor tactical adjustments could have made the results even better.
Sachin’s comments highlight both appreciation for Gill’s leadership and a realistic suggestion for the team’s future success. If Gill continues his current form and mindset, India’s Test team could see a bright future ahead.
