Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on Shubman Gill’s captaincy following India’s second Test victory over the West Indies, which secured a 2-0 series win. This marked Gill’s first Test series triumph as India’s captain.
Ashwin, however, pointed out areas for improvement, suggesting that the 26-year-old could have managed his bowlers’ rotation more effectively and demonstrated greater creativity in setting the field.
“Today’s bats send mishits very far, like off Jayden Seales; so you can’t always attack more. Maybe in bowler rotation, Shubman Gill could do better, more creativity in field placement, like when Justin Greaves reverse-swept with point open; that’s not always the best move on a red-soil pitch with bounce. You have to watch closely and prepare extra,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.
The West Indies posted 390 runs in their second innings, with strong performances from their batters. John Campbell and Shai Hope both scored centuries, while Justin Greaves (50*) and Jayden Seales (32) played important supporting roles.
Ashwin noted that Gill’s inexperience as captain was visible on the field. He observed that Gill appeared somewhat impatient and could enhance his tactical decision-making.
“In my view, Shubman Gill has less experience in field and it shows; he’s confident and backs players, but in tactics like rotation and placement, more work can be done and it was visible. It felt like he needed the help. In such conditions you will have to give bowlers ten-over spells. There was some impatience. He needs some guidance,” he added.
Ashwin Shares Insights On How Indian Pacers Perform In Home Tests
Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledged that Gill could have managed the bowlers’ rotation more effectively. He also commented on the role of Indian pacers in home Tests, noting that they tended to use fewer bouncers because of their experience and understanding of bowling in familiar conditions.
“In this series Indian fast bowlers played a role. They do have a role. Indian fast bowlers have generally refrained from bowling bouncers because they have a better idea of bowling in sub-continent. We do a little bit more with the ball. We bring reverse swing and LBW into play,” he said.
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