"Former Indian cricketer attributes Virat Kohli's absence as the significant factor in the team's loss during the Lord's Test, noting that Shubman Gill's performance could have overshadowed Kohli's potential century."
England's victory at Lord's has put them in a strong position to win the series, leaving India in need of a comeback in the upcoming Test at Old Trafford. The series stands at 2-1 in favour of England, with the 4th Test being the next match.
During the 3rd Test at Lord's, Shubman Gill's performance was a stark contrast to his impressive showing in the second Test at Edgbaston, where he scored 269 and 161. His dismissal for a low score at Lord's has raised questions about his consistency.
Gill's batting approach mirrors Kohli's early years, with a mix of classical technique and aggressive intent. However, Gill tends to bat with a calm demeanor, though he does display occasional emotional bursts reminiscent of Kohli.
Virat Kohli, during his career, was renowned for his intense passion and aggression combined with world-class batting technique. In the 2021 series, Kohli scored 218 runs in 7 innings, but his performance at Lord's was less impressive, with dismissals for 16 and 6 runs in the first and second innings respectively.
As a captain, Gill has shown a blend of aggressive competitiveness similar to Kohli. His emotional celebrations and confrontational behavior on the field have drawn direct comparisons to Kohli's passionate leadership style. However, some critics have found Gill's confrontational style less tasteful, similar to criticisms faced by Kohli.
In the 2025 series, Gill's dismissal for 16 mirrored Kohli's own debut ODI dismissal at Lord's, alluding to a symbolic passing of the baton as both faced England at one of cricket's most iconic venues with similar scores and circumstances.
The 4th Test is crucial for Shubman Gill and his teammates to secure a win, as a loss could result in the series being lost before the final match. The series will be closely watched as Gill continues to develop his leadership style, balancing competitiveness with sportsmanship.
Shubman Gill needs to find his form again in the upcoming 4th Test at Old Trafford, as England holds a strong position in the series. The 4th Test is a significant opportunity for Gill and his teammates to secure a win, ensuring a competitive series till the end.
