Feedback from Rahul Dravid significantly influences Shubman Gill being appointed as India's Test captain
Influential Mentorship: Rahul Dravid Boosts Shubman Gill's Leadership in Indian Cricket
Rahul Dravid, former India head coach, has played a decisive role in the rise of Shubman Gill as a future leader in the Indian cricket team. Their association stretches back to 2017, when Dravid was coaching the Indian U19 team and Gill was a fledgling player preparing to debut in international cricket.
During the U19 World Cup in 2018, Gill shone under Dravid's guidance, showcasing composure, balance, and the ability to perform under pressure. While Prithvi Shaw, the team's captain, was initially the focus, Gill's impressive performance as India's top run-scorer was a testament to his potential.
Fast-forward three years, and the pair reunited with Gill as part of the Indian Test team. In 2024, Dravid, taking Rohit Sharma into confidence, offered Gill an unprecedented opportunity: to decide his preferred batting position within the Test XI. This vote of confidence spoke volumes about Dravid's faith in the youngster, who was still relatively inexperienced at the international level.
Gill's choice was to take up the No.3 spot recently vacated by Cheteshwar Pujara. He seized the opportunity with aplomb, impressing both coach and captain during India's home series against England. In the series, Gill batted with resilience and consistent runs, ultimately helping India secure a 4-1 victory.
In addition to his batting performances, Gill demonstrated leadership qualities by actively participating in team planning and field placement discussions. Dravid took note of these contributions, seeing the realization of the potential he had glimpsed years earlier.
Upon Dravid's departure as head coach following India's T20 World Cup triumph, few could have predicted Gill's swift emergence as a potential leader in Indian cricket. However, his appointment as Test captain at the age of 25, despite a modest batting average, was met with approval due in part to Dravid's positive feedback and firsthand knowledge of Gill's abilities.
While it remains to be seen whether Gill can live up to the high expectations, his rapid rise is a testament to the powerful impact of mentorship under figures like Dravid, who continue to shape the future of Indian cricket.
- U19 World Cup
- Shubman Gill
- Rahul Dravid
- Source: BCCI, reliable sources
- Note: Gill's leadership potential was revealed in the U19 World Cup, where he performed exceptionally under Dravid's guidance.
- Additional Notes: Gill was later appointed as the ODI vice-captain before the Champions Trophy, marking a clear intention to groom him for leadership roles.
- As of the time of publishing, Gill is preparing for the IPL 2025 season, where he aims to continue his impressive form.
Rahul Dravid's guidance in the U19 World Cup proved vital for Shubman Gill's success, as he demonstrated exceptional leadership potential during the tournament. Fast forward to the present, Gill still credits Dravid's mentorship for his continued growth in international sports, particularly cricket.
