The IND vs ENG 2025 Test series has been a riveting spectacle, showcasing the brilliance of young Indian captain Shubman Gill as both a batsman and a leader. However, his aggressive on-field demeanor during the third Test at Lord’s has sparked widespread debate, with former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioning whether this approach suits Gill’s natural style or if it hindered his performance. This article delves into the events at Lord’s, analyzes Gill’s leadership and batting, and explores whether his fiery antics were a strategic misstep or a sign of a captain finding his voice.
The Context of IND vs ENG 2025
The IND vs ENG series, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has been a fiercely contested battle. India entered the third Test at Lord’s trailing 1-1 after a loss in Leeds and a dominant win in Birmingham, where Gill’s record-breaking 430 runs, including a double century, shattered Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test match. With 485 runs in the first two Tests, including three centuries, Gill had established himself as the series’ leading run-getter, showcasing a calm and composed batting style that belied his 25 years. However, the Lord’s Test, played from July 10 to July 14, 2025, presented a different challenge—one that tested not just his batting but also his temperament as captain.
The Flashpoint at Lord’s
The controversy arose on Day 3 of the IND vs ENG Test at Lord’s. With England batting in their second innings, Indian captain Shubman Gill engaged in a heated exchange with England opener Zak Crawley. Gill accused Crawley of time-wasting, believing the Englishman was deliberately delaying play to prevent India from bowling an extra over before stumps. The incident occurred when Crawley took over a minute to take guard and interrupted Jasprit Bumrah’s run-up multiple times, citing issues with the sight screen and his readiness. Gill, visibly frustrated, confronted Crawley, urging him to “show some guts” and face the bowling. This led to a verbal spat, with other Indian players, including Mohammed Siraj, joining in, marking the first major flashpoint of the IND vs ENG series.
The stump mic captured Gill’s sledging, which included a cheeky jab at England’s “boring Test cricket,” a sarcastic nod to their much-hyped Bazball approach. While this moment energized the Indian camp and amused some fans, it set the stage for a fiery response from England when Gill came out to bat on Day 4. England players, led by their bowlers, returned the verbal volleys, targeting Gill with personal remarks. The Indian captain, facing a fresh new ball on a challenging Lord’s pitch, was dismissed for just 6 runs, trapped LBW by Brydon Carse. India ultimately lost the match by 22 runs, falling to a 1-2 deficit in the IND vs ENG series.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Critique
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and respected commentator, was quick to analyze Gill’s actions on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day. He expressed disappointment, suggesting that Gill’s aggression may have backfired, affecting his batting performance. “The thing with Virat Kohli was that he would get even more fired up and become a better batter [if things got nasty]. What disappointed me with Shubman Gill, and that is why I was wondering, where is Shubman Gill heading? Because that seemed like it didn’t have the right effect on Shubman Gill the batter,” Manjrekar said.
Manjrekar drew a stark contrast between Gill and Virat Kohli, India’s former captain known for thriving in confrontational situations. Kohli’s aggression was a natural extension of his personality, visible even before he took on the captaincy. Gill, however, had not previously displayed such a fiery demeanor. Manjrekar questioned whether Gill’s actions were driven by the pressures of captaincy or a desire to emulate Kohli’s intensity for “attention and mileage.” He noted that Gill’s tentative batting in the second innings—missing four deliveries in nine balls, a sharp departure from his series-long control—suggested that the verbal duels had unsettled him.
Manjrekar further argued that if Gill possessed a naturally aggressive streak, it would have surfaced earlier in his career. “If Shubman Gill had that kind of a fiery side to him, we would have seen it a little earlier. You don’t have to show it when you’re captain,” he remarked, suggesting that Gill’s actions might have been an attempt to assert authority rather than a reflection of his authentic self.
The Virat Kohli Comparison
The comparisons to Virat Kohli are inevitable in the IND vs ENG series, given Kohli’s legacy as one of India’s most successful and passionate Test captains. Kohli’s ability to channel aggression into performance was legendary—he often used confrontations to fuel his focus, resulting in match-defining centuries. Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, commenting on the Lord’s Test, noted that Gill’s aggressive approach was “very similar to Virat” but suggested it may have inadvertently brought out a more formidable side of England. “You’ve actually brought out the best of England and the fight and that beast England can be,” Moeen said, implying that Gill’s tactics galvanized the hosts.
However, unlike Kohli, who seemed to relish verbal battles, Gill appeared rattled by England’s response. Manjrekar highlighted that the stump mic revealed personal attacks directed at Gill, a new experience for a player accustomed to a “friendly reception” from opponents. This contrast raises questions about whether Gill’s aggression was a calculated move or an emotional reaction to the high-pressure environment of the IND vs ENG Test at Lord’s.
The Challenges of Captaincy
At 25, Shubman Gill is one of India’s youngest Test captains, leading a talented but relatively inexperienced side in the IND vs ENG series. His appointment came after Rohit Sharma skipped the field during the Dharamshala Test, and Gill has since surpassed expectations with his batting heroics. His childhood coach, Sukhwinder Tinku, praised his composure and technique, predicting that “Shubman is just getting started” and will break more records. However, captaincy demands more than just batting prowess—it requires tactical acumen, emotional resilience, and the ability to set the tone for the team.
Manjrekar acknowledged Gill’s potential, noting that the eight-day break before the fourth Test in Manchester (starting July 23, 2025) would allow him to reflect and refine his leadership style. “There are a lot of good people around him. His father, who played a big part in his cricketing journey, would know his son better than anyone—whether he’s a Virat Kohli, a potential Kohli, or an MS Dhoni, or somewhere in between,” Manjrekar said. This break offers Gill an opportunity to assess whether his aggressive approach aligns with his natural temperament or if a more measured style, akin to Dhoni’s calm leadership, would better suit him.
Gill’s tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. In the first Test at Headingley, Manjrekar criticized his defensive field placements, contrasting them with Kohli’s attacking approach. However, at Lord’s, Gill’s decision to bring Nitish Kumar Reddy into the attack early on Day 1 was hailed as a “masterstroke” by Michael Vaughan, proving his ability to make bold calls. Balancing aggression with strategy will be key as Gill navigates the remaining matches of the IND vs ENG series.
The Lord’s Test in Perspective
The Lord’s Test was a closely fought contest, with England securing a 22-run victory after India were bowled out for 170 while chasing 193. The pitch offered variable bounce, particularly for wobble-seam deliveries, making batting in the fourth innings challenging. Ravindra Jadeja’s valiant 61* and KL Rahul’s resilient batting kept India in the hunt, but Gill’s early dismissal and the collapse of the middle order tilted the game in England’s favor.
Manjrekar noted that the conditions at Lord’s were tougher than in the previous Tests, with Gill facing a hard new ball compared to the softer, older ball he had mastered earlier in the series. The added pressure from England’s verbal retaliation likely compounded the challenge, leading to his uncharacteristic tentativeness. Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott also criticized Gill’s behavior, calling it “acting” and suggesting it set a bad tone, further highlighting the polarizing nature of his actions.
Learning from the Experience
Gill’s aggressive antics at Lord’s may have been a misstep, but they also reflect the growing pains of a young captain finding his identity. Unlike Kohli, whose aggression was a core trait, Gill’s fiery display appeared to be a departure from his usual calm demeanor. Manjrekar’s hope that Gill wasn’t seeking “attention and mileage” underscores the importance of authenticity in leadership. As a batsman, Gill has proven his class, but as a captain, he must learn to balance passion with composure to avoid letting emotions derail his performance.
The IND vs ENG series, with two Tests remaining, offers Gill a chance to redeem himself. The eight-day break provides time for introspection, and with guidance from his father and coach Gautam Gambhir, Gill can refine his approach. Whether he leans into a Kohli-esque intensity or carves out a unique leadership style, the key will be ensuring that his on-field demeanor enhances, rather than hinders, his batting and captaincy.
In Summary
Shubman Gill’s aggressive antics at Lord’s during the IND vs ENG 2025 series sparked a fascinating debate about leadership, temperament, and authenticity. Sanjay Manjrekar’s critique highlights the risks of adopting a confrontational style that doesn’t come naturally, especially when it impacts performance under pressure. While Gill’s actions may have galvanized England, they also showcased his passion and willingness to fight for his team. As he prepares for the fourth Test in Manchester, Gill has an opportunity to learn from this experience, refine his leadership, and lead India to a series-levelling victory. The cricketing world will be watching to see where Shubman Gill is truly heading.
