Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, is gearing up for the biggest challenge of his career as he leads a young side into the Test series against England starting at Headingley, Leeds. But while the pressure builds, Gill has found mentorship in two vastly different coaching figures — Gautam Gambhir at the national level and Ashish Nehra during his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans.
In a conversation with Dinesh Karthik for Sky Cricket, Gill opened up on how these two coaches have impacted him in unique ways.
Gautam Gambhir: A Mindset-Focused Leader
Gill described Gambhir as a coach who values clarity, attitude, and commitment.
“Gauti bhai is very determined and clear about what he wants from the players,” said Gill. “He focuses more on the attitude and the mindset he wants from the team.”
Gambhir’s coaching style, Gill noted, is more strategic and internal — with less on-field animation and more off-field direction and clarity.
Ashish Nehra: The Expressive Mentor
In contrast, Gill described Nehra as hands-on and emotionally engaged during games.
“Ashu pa is very animated and expressive. His personality reflects in his coaching,” Gill noted, recalling his years with Nehra at Gujarat Titans.
Nehra, who guided GT to an IPL title in 2022, is often seen motivating players on the boundary line, offering tactical input and visible encouragement throughout matches.
Two Paths, One Destination
While their methods differ, Gill believes both coaches share the same end goal: winning and building a strong unit.
“They’re very different personalities, but the paths might be different and the destination is the same,” he concluded.
With Gill stepping into Test captaincy at just 24, having two influential mentors in Gambhir and Nehra could prove crucial. How the Gambhir-Gill partnership unfolds this summer in England may well shape the future of Indian cricket.
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