India’s recent 3-0 One Day International (ODI) series sweep over Afghanistan has sparked renewed debate over the leadership abilities of captain Shubman Gill, despite a successful debut series in charge.
The clean sweep marked India’s first ODI series win under Gill’s captaincy, and he also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 238 runs across the three matches. His consistent performances earned him the ‘Player of the Series’ award, highlighting a strong start to his leadership tenure.
However, the series success has not fully silenced critics who have questioned Gill’s readiness for long-term captaincy responsibilities. Prior to the Afghanistan series, concerns were raised following India’s earlier ODI series defeats against Australia and New Zealand under his leadership. While the recent victory has improved his immediate standing, discussions around his leadership style and decision-making continue to divide opinion among experts and fans.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary offered a blunt assessment of Gill’s leadership, stating that he is “not a born leader yet.” Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary suggested that captaincy is a learning process for Gill and emphasized that his growth will come with experience. He added that natural leadership instincts differ from those who develop leadership skills over time through exposure and responsibility at the international level.
Tiwary further stressed the importance of experienced senior players in supporting Gill’s development as captain. He pointed to the presence of former India captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the squad as a stabilizing influence. According to him, their experience can help Gill avoid repeating past mistakes and ease the pressures associated with leading a high-profile national side. He also noted that such support systems are crucial in modern international cricket.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s absence from the Afghanistan series was due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Indian Premier League season. The senior batter has since been named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, subject to fitness clearance. He is expected to report to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for assessment as part of his recovery process.
As India prepares for future assignments, attention will remain on how Gill adapts to the demands of captaincy at the highest level. While the Afghanistan series provided a positive result on paper, the broader evaluation of his leadership journey is still in its early stages, with further challenges expected as India transitions into more competitive international fixtures.