Irfan Pathan praised Shubman Gill and the Indian squad after the Asian giants made history by defeating England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy’s second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. This was India’s first Test victory at the historic site, where they had played cricket since 1967.
Pathan stated that prior of the series, there were concerns about India’s ability to counter England’s ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ tactics. In the second Test, India rested talismanic pacer Jasprit Bumrah and kept Kuldeep Yadav on the bench. Some experts and fans questioned if India would be able to collect twenty wickets. Pathan added that all of these questions have been answered in a positive manner.
“India! India! India! Gill, Gill! Gill! This chant should reverberate. The feat accomplished by skipper Shubman Gill’s youthful Indian team is admirable. See, there were questions raised. Will India be able to counter Bazball? Will the inexperienced bowling lineup, without Bumrah and Kuldeep, be able to grab 20 wickets? Everyone’s queries have been answered, and the way they were answered is the most encouraging aspect,” Pathan remarked on his YouTube page.
The former India all-rounder also noted some of Gill’s outstanding records set throughout the tour. The Punjab batsman produced a standout performance at Edgbaston, scoring 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second. This came after he scored 147 in the opening innings of the first Test at Headingley.
“Captain Shubman Gill set record after record as a hitter.
If you see a player score 200 in the first innings and 150 in the second, he will be the first batsman to achieve it. Following Sunil Gavaskar, Saab scored 200 in one innings and then 100. He played the captain’s hit, scoring 500 or more runs in four innings, becoming the first batter to accomplish so. Following Graham Gooch, the first hitter to score 430 runs in a single match. Standing at number two. Left Brian Lara and the other hitters behind. “He has broken records,” he added.
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The way he controlled the game as a captain was fantastic to watch: Irfan Pathan
Pathan was impressed with Gill’s defensive abilities and desire to score runs. He also praised his approach to handle difficult issues, both on and off the pitch.
“His poise and batting style are noteworthy. The defence has been great, while captain Gill’s batting demonstrated a strong desire to score runs. However, the way he led the game as a captain was fantastic to witness. Because of the doubts raised regarding skipper Gill, ‘You are captaining on a difficult tour; in the first match, you have opportunities to win two-three times, but you fail to capitalise, and then questions arise.’ Then there are additional enquiries off the pitch. ‘If Bumrah doesn’t play, how will I explain to the press?’ ‘If Bumrah doesn’t play, how will I manage the team?'” Pathan stated.




