Ravichandran Ashwin feels that Indian captain Shubman Gill doesn’t try to create an impression during press conferences. Sharing his thoughts during the ongoing five-match Test series against England, the veteran off-spinner noted that Gill’s answers come across as genuine and effortless. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat (at 17:28), Ashwin remarked:
“Shubman has a natural flair. I was watching his press conference, and I immediately found that he is not putting on a show. He is talking like who he is. He is leading the team according to his natural self and skills.”
Ashwin also addressed the criticism directed at Shubman Gill following India’s five-wicket loss in the series opener at Headingley, Leeds. He hinted that the English media was intentionally targeting the Indian skipper and commented (at 15:52):
“In overseas tours, the media tries to target the captain because if you bring the captain down, it becomes easy to bring the team down. You can get them to fall like nine pins if you go after the captain.”
Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, Team India made a remarkable comeback after a rough start to the series. They secured a historic 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This marked India’s first-ever Test victory at the venue and their largest win by runs in an away Test. Gill was named Player of the Match for his outstanding batting display, scoring 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second.
Ashwin Applauds Shubman Gill’s Strong Self-Belief and Leadership
Ravichandran Ashwin shared that, in many cases, players are given scripted points to speak in press conferences. However, he feels Shubman Gill doesn’t seem like someone who is following a prepared script. Highlighting the sincerity in Gill’s statements, Ashwin noted that his words reflect genuine conviction (at 17:54):
“Don’t take it out of context, but a lot of players are coached about what to say and what to do. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Shubman Gill. He looks like a man who is doing what he believes in.”
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