India captain Shubman Gill is facing growing criticism from former cricketers after India’s 22-run defeat at Lord’s. While Gill leads the series with over 600 runs, his short, tense stay in the second innings has sparked debate—especially after his heated spat with England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t mince words, warning Gill not to fall into the trap of “brand-building” by imitating Virat Kohli’s trademark aggression.
Manjrekar: ‘Aggression Doesn’t Come Naturally to Gill’
Speaking on JioHotstar, Manjrekar made a pointed observation:
“What Virat Kohli did was second nature to him. His cricket got enhanced by aggression. I’m not sure it works for Shubman Gill.”
Manjrekar was referring to Gill’s altercation at the end of Day 3, where he confronted Crawley for time-wasting, triggering an all-out verbal battle on the field. But the move seemingly backfired. Gill was dismissed cheaply on Day 4 for 6 runs off 9 balls, looking visibly uncomfortable despite being the top scorer of the series.
Kohli vs. Gill: A Tale of Two Styles
| Attribute | Virat Kohli | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Aggression | Yes – thrives under pressure | No – looks uncomfortable with it |
| Run Chase Mastery | Legendary in high-stake chases | Yet to prove in similar fashion |
| Body Language | Fiery and confrontational | Calm, usually composed |
| Lord’s 2nd Innings | Likely would’ve counterattacked | Looked timid and uncertain |
Former Players Question Gill’s Attitude Shift
Cricket veterans like Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, and Stuart Broad have all weighed in. They believe Gill, while incredibly gifted with the bat, seems to lack the natural aggression and leadership aura that defined Kohli.
In fact, Broad was quoted saying England were fired up after Gill’s unnecessary spat with Crawley — a moment that turned the tide.
“India had the upper hand but lost the plot with needless aggression.” – Broad
Is Gill Trying to Be the Next Brand Kohli?
Manjrekar’s biggest concern was not Gill’s batting, but his intent to mirror Kohli’s on-field image:
“If somebody wants to build a brand by saying, ‘We are Indians, not less than anyone’ – that gets attention. I hope Shubman Gill wasn’t doing it for that.”
This comment points to a growing concern in Indian cricket — the pressure on new stars to fill the Kohli-sized void, not just in performance but in persona.
Lord’s Test Fallout: India’s Top-Order Struggles
Gill wasn’t alone in failing under pressure. India’s top order crumbled in the fourth innings while chasing a modest 193-run target.
| Batter | Runs Scored | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 39 | LBW by Stokes (review) |
| Shubman Gill | 6 (9) | LBW by Carse |
| Rishabh Pant | 22 | Bowled by Archer |
| Karun Nair | 14 | LBW by Carse |
Despite a brave 61 from Ravindra Jadeja*, India fell short, ending at 170 all out.
What Lies Ahead for Gill?
Shubman Gill still leads the run charts in the series with over 600 runs, including a historic double century. But aggression isn’t his natural strength, and trying to channel Kohli might derail his own unique rhythm.
The leadership group, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, will now have to balance results, personality, and team identity heading into the 4th Test at Manchester.
Final Word
India’s young Test captain is in uncharted waters. Between leading a transition-era team and living up to the standards set by legends, Gill must decide if he wants to lead like Kohli — or lead like Gill.
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