Shubman Gill's Instinctive Captaincy Shines in Thrilling Test Finale

In a thrilling conclusion to the Test series between India and England, former India player Saba Karim has praised Shubman Gill's captaincy on the final day of the 5th Test, which took place on August 4, 2025. Karim noted that the last session of the match was the most critical phase of the entire series, and Gill's leadership was put to the test.

Gill, who was appointed captain for the series, demonstrated his ability to make instinctive decisions under pressure. Despite not having the option to take the second new ball, Gill effectively utilized his bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, to defend a tight target. Karim highlighted Gill's field placements and his communication with senior player Cheteshwar Pujara as key factors in India's narrow 6-run victory.

The result ensured that the two teams shared the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with the series ending in a 2-2 draw. Shubman Gill, who was the highest run-scorer in the series with 754 runs at an average of 75.40, also impressed with the bat. Karim acknowledged that Gill's transition from white-ball to red-ball cricket was seamless, and he played a crucial role in inspiring the team with his performances.

As Gill continues to lead the team, Karim believes his captaincy approach may evolve, with the young star potentially becoming more instinctive in his decision-making. The former selector praised Gill's ability to handle the pressure of captaincy while maintaining his high level of batting performance.