Does it look a bit heated in the summer in England? Yes, it probably does. During the summer in the United Kingdom, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has turned on the heat.
The five-match Test series is nicely poised, courtesy of India’s fantastic win at Edgbaston after a losing start in the first match. Despite the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and other senior pros missing, the Indian team has been robust, courtesy of their captain Shubman Gill.
Shubman Gill’s extraordinary performance in the England Test series has garnered praise, not just in terms of statistics but also in the traits and temperament he has displayed. Not just the runs, Shubman has been vocal and aggressive in this series, and that has drawn comparisons with, you probably know, yes indeed, Virat Kohli.
Gill was appointed as India’s Test captain just before the start of the series. Although many questioned the decision, the Punjab-born has done enough to instil the belief among the fans that he is not at all a hasty choice as Rohit Sharma’s successor.
But why are we talking about Virat Kohli? From the headline, and if you have watched the series, you may already get an idea. Shubman Gill’s captaincy imprint is a novel form of the Virat Kohli leadership. Although it is at a nascent stage, the new Test captain has shown certain traits, which resemble the old adage of Virat Kohli.
1. Handling Pressure and Leading from the Front
One of Kohli’s defining qualities is his ability to thrive under pressure, often delivering his best when the stakes are highest. In this England series, Gill has mirrored this trait by scoring heavily in challenging conditions, especially as a debutant Test captain. His innings of 147 at Headingley and a record-breaking 269 at Edgbaston came when India needed stability and inspiration, much like Kohli’s own landmark performances early in his captaincy. Gill’s calm and composed approach under pressure, while leading a young side overseas, has echoed Kohli’s knack for setting an example and shouldering responsibility when it matters most.
2. Aggression and Competitive Spirit
Kohli is renowned for his aggressive mindset, both as a batsman and a leader, often using his intensity to unsettle opponents and energize his team . Gill demonstrated a similar edge during the series, notably in his on-field confrontations and assertive body language. In a recent incident, Gill’s aggressive exchange with England’s Zak Crawley drew direct comparisons to Kohli’s confrontational style, with commentators and former players noting how Gill set the tone with his assertiveness and gamesmanship. This willingness to engage and compete fiercely is a hallmark of Kohli’s leadership and has now been seen in Gill’s captaincy as well.
3. Hunger for Runs and Consistency
Kohli’s insatiable appetite for runs and his consistency across formats have set him apart as one of modern cricket’s greats. Gill’s run-scoring spree in this series has been laudable. The India skipper scored a century at Headingley, then backed it up with a 269 and 161 at Edgbaston. Gill’s 430 runs at Edgbaston made him the highest-scoring player in a single Test for India. His rich vein of form in this Test series has been Kohli-esque, further evidence of an elite trait of the India stalwart showcased in this series.