'Go see your own record': Ravi Shastri shuts Shubman Gill's critics amid Test captaincy speculation

Ravi Shastri shuts Shubman Gill's critics amid Test captaincy speculation (AFP Photos)

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, hushed the naysayers who were voicing worries about Shubman Gill's performance abroad and supported him for an upcoming successful away tour. With only one century and two fifties in 28 innings, Gill has amassed 716 runs at an average of 27.53 in 15 overseas Tests thus far. He hasn't made a half-century in South Africa, England, New Zealand, or Australia (SENA) conditions since his famous knock of 91 at the Gabba, which helped India win the series.

Shastri emphasized the importance of passing the reins to the next generation, particularly those who can mold the team for the next 10 years, as both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had resigned from Test responsibilities. Regarding Gill, Shastri said he has observed leadership traits in him.

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Shastri asked the critics to examine their own international record before questioning Gill's level of skill. "The little I've seen of Shubman looks very interesting. Composed, calm, he has all the qualities," Shastri said during an interaction with The ICC Review. “You people will talk he's not scored runs overseas. You know, that topic always comes, not scored runs overseas. Sometimes I tell them, go and see your own record, how much have you done overseas? Let him play, let him get a run overseas, then he'll score runs. He's a class player," he added.

Shastri thinks that this is just the start of a much longer journey. “He has a decade of cricket ahead of him for the country," he said. "And I'm sure he'll get cracking in one of the tours, he'll make up for all those runs he's not got on earlier."

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Gill is the favorite to succeed Rohit Sharma as captain of India's Test team. Although he has expertise leading at the highest level, he has never captained India in red-ball cricket. He now serves as the Gujarat Titans' captain.

Gill will travel to play a first-class match against the England Lions with the India A squad, which will be led by Abhimanyu Easwaran. This will be followed by a five-match series between India and England, starting from June 20.