'Those who doubted Shubman Gill, lack understanding of game': Gautam Gambhir blasts critics

India head coach Gautam Gambhir blasts critics. (Photo: BCCI)

BCCI's decision to make Shubman Gill the captain of the Indian cricket team has been questioned by many. The 25-year-old took over the reins after Rohit Sharma, and what made his task more complicated was that he had to lead without a senior player like Virat Kohli.

Amid the doubts and pressure, Gill scored three centuries in his first two Tests as captain of the Indian team. He amassed more than 600 runs in the first two games against England but was dismissed for 16 and 6 in the third. At Old Trafford, he was dismissed for 12 in the first innings but bounced back with a fighting century in the second. He also became the first Indian since 1990 to score a ton at Old Trafford.

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir issued a strong defence in the post-match press conference, slamming the critics and doubters.

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An incredible effort from #TeamIndia batters in the 2nd innings in Manchester  #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/OsEXhghmV6

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2025

“Nobody [in the Indian team] ever doubted Shubman Gill’s talent. Those who did, they just know to talk cricket but lack understanding of the game. Some people take time to blossom in international cricket. And no one in the dressing room is surprised by what he has done. And had he not done anything extraordinary, no one would have doubted him even then,” Gambhir said in the presser.

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Gambhir also added that those who have doubts about Gill, lack knowledge of cricket.

“People who understand cricket, they know what kind of player Gill is, and he is living up to his expectations. And people speak of captaincy pressure, you can’t see anything of that sort. When he goes out to bat, he goes out as a batter and not as a captain,” he added.