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Former England captain David Gower has thrown his weight behind Shubman Gill’s leadership, praising the young Indian skipper for stepping up during a high-pressure series against England. Speaking to Sportstar, Gower said Gill’s maturity has shone through despite India missing two senior pillars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Shubman Gill, the captain, has done well so far…

Shubman Gill was named the new Indian Test captain after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their sudden retirements, without holding farewell Tests. With Jasprit Bumrah also putting ahead his workload management, Gill was chosen over the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

If the first three Tests are anything to go by, Gill has done a great job. He and Gautam Gambhir appear to be on the same page so far, with Gill’s aggression coming to the forefront as well. It appears to bring the best out of him as well, with the Indian captain leading the batting charts with 607 runs at an average of 101.17.

“Building a team depends on so many things. At the start of the series, people focused on the absence of Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli). But Shubman stepped up and played beautifully in two Tests,” said Gower.

At just 24, Gill has been tasked with leading a young Indian side in one of the most intense Test rivalries. But according to Gower, age shouldn’t define a leader.

“You don’t have to be 34 to lead — you can be 24, if you’ve got talent, a good head, and a solid technique. That kind of player can fill the gap,” he added. However, despite his promising leadership, Gill was left ruing India’s missed opportunities after their 22-run loss at Lord’s. India fell agonizingly short chasing 193 in the fourth innings, with a batting collapse in both innings ultimately proving costly.

“Take a look at Ben Stokes”

While Gill’s captaincy impressed many, it was Ben Stokes who once again stole the show at the ‘Home of Cricket’. Gower, too, acknowledged the all-rounder’s superb show and match-turning spell. He was certainly leading from the front in the huge moments of the Test match to take England ahead.

“Team-building often comes down to individual moments. Look at Stokes at Lord’s — this is the Stokes we’ve missed: bowling at 90 miles an hour, driving the attack forward. You want all your key players at peak performance — that’s what shifts a match,” Gower said.

Stokes’ 44-over effort, including crucial wickets of Akash Deep, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah, proved decisive. Just like July 14, 2019, the World Cup final, the date again belonged to Ben Stokes at Lord’s, dragging England to a win from the jaws of defeat. With the series now 2-1 in England’s favour, both teams head to Manchester for the fourth Test with plenty at stake and plenty to prove.