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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Gautam Gambhir should 'take a chill pill' while answering questions about criticism surrounding Shubman Gill. This comes after Gambhir once again gave a blunt reply to those who were doubting Gill's leadership abilities. He went on to claim that those who doubt Gill in terms of talent, do not know anything about the game.
"No one has any doubt in Shubman Gill's talent. Those who did, don't know cricket; they can only talk. Some players need time to blossom in international cricket. And to be honest, no one in the dressing room is surprised that Shubman has done well on this tour. And honestly, even if he didn't perform, no one would have pointed fingers. Those who know cricket understand what he is capable of. And the important thing is that he is living up to his expectations, his own talent and captaincy. Even this thing that people talk about all the time, 'Captaincy pressure', you don’t see anything of that kind when he goes into bat," Gambhir said at the post-match press-conference.
Gill has been exceptional with the bat in the England series
Gill was appointed as India's new Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma ahead of the England Tests. Many raised questions over this appointment as the 25-year-old had never previously captained the Men in Blue in the longest format before. However, the 25-year-old gave a fitting reply to all his critics with stellar batting performances in the series against England. Gill has already scored 722 runs in four Tests and will be looking to continue his fine form in the final match which is set to commence from July 31 at The Oval.
Manjrekar feels that Gambhir should just relax while answering questions about Gill as everyone involved only wants the betterment of Indian cricket.
"I mean, people who understand cricket also wonder whether it's the right time to get that opportunity, and I hope he can just understand that better, and it's never you guys think and we guys think we are all part of the same industry and the country as well," Manjrekar said on JioHotstar.
"So I just want him to sort of take a chill pill sometimes and just take it easy and answer questions and encourage questions that are tough, and I don't know whether that's likely to happen. I'd like to see at some stage Gautam Gambhir having that quality," he added.
Meanwhile, with England leading by 2-1 after four Tests, the series winner is set to be decided in the fifth and final match. If India do manage to emerge victorious then the series will end in a draw, however any other result will see England lift the first-ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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