Following Rohit Sharma’s surprise resignation from Test cricket, the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as captain of the Indian men’s cricket team. The team is now coached by former India batter Gautam Gambhir, and there is a lot of confusion among fans and analysts about who is the true boss in the dressing room. Attacking all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently responded to the question, analyzing the current situation within the Indian team.
Pathan believes that the BCCI should prioritize open communication as they move forward with Gambhir and Gill at the helm.
The Baroda native believes that regardless of who is in control, everyone should understand who the engine of the train is, or who is genuinely propelling the team forward. Pathan believes Gill still has a lot to learn as India’s captain, but his performance in his first assignment has been nothing short of outstanding.
“I think the message should go out loud and clear to every player – more than the media or the fans – that who the engine of this train is, so that the train reaches a single destination, no matter the speed. Shubman Gill’s captaincy will get better with time, he’ll learn the art of leadership more, but what he already has done is great,” the cricketer-turned-commentator.
“The selection committee had a discussion with him, that as soon as he gets free from Test cricket, you will get yourself back. There are a lot of questions in the media, I understand, but Indian cricket goes according to a plan and that’s how it has always been. Selection board, management has the responsibility and I think that going in one direction is important. And this is what it seems like Indian cricket is doing with Shubman Gill right now,” Pathan added.
Speaking of Gill’s captaincy, he is expected to be back at his job during the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. India will be hosting the Caribbean side for a couple of red-ball encounters, with the first one set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series will commence on October 2, and will also be India’s first home series for Gill as India’s Test skipper.
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