Greg Chappell attacks Shubman Gill, demands improvement in captaincy: 'Bat can’t do the talking'

Australian cricket legend and former Indian head coach Greg Chappell has questioned Shubman Gill’s leadership after India’s dramatic collapse in the third Test against England at Lord’s. Chappell believes that Shubman Gill failed to show the clarity and authority needed in a high-pressure chase, and it allowed England to dive and turn the match in their favor at Lord’s.

Gill’s bat was silent in the third Test, scoring 16 and 6 in both innings, but he was caught in heated on-field exchanges throughout the match at Lord’s. The young Indian captain looked disconnected when his team needed direction the most on Day 4, and England made him pay for that.

Greg Chappell slams Shubman Gill for India’s confused chase at Lord's

Chappell noted that the final phase of the game exposed a serious flaw in Gill’s captaincy, as he didn’t have a clear plan to tackle the situation. During the chase, Ravindra Jadeja was a lone warrior, and the former head coach felt the message from the dressing room should have been to ask him to go for the win, as they fell just 22 runs short of the target at Lord’s on the final day.

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Chappell was baffled by the fact that the Indian captain failed to guide his players through the crisis, leaving them to fend for themselves without a clear strategy. The Aussie great also slammed Ravindra Jadeja’s defensive approach during the 193-run chase against England.

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Greg Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo: “The truth is, Jadeja was the only recognized batter left. If India were to chase down the target, he would have to take calculated risks. His job wasn’t to leave balls and collect singles—it was to win the match. That clarity should have come from the dressing room, from the captain.

He needed to be told directly: “You are the man who has to get this done. The tail’s job is to hang in there with you, but you must go for the win. And this is where Gill’s leadership challenge becomes very real. He must start setting those expectations—clearly, proactively, and consistently.”

Greg Chappell urges Shubman Gill to take full charge of the Indian Test team

Chappell has urged Shubman Gill to take full charge of the Indian Test team, not just with his words but through strong actions and clear direction. He believes Gill must shape the team's identity and raise standards, especially in the field.

He explained, “Gill must define what sort of team he wants India to be. The captain sets the tone—not just with words, but with actions, clarity of purpose, and visible standards. That means demanding discipline in the field. India cannot afford to slip back into being a poor fielding side. The best teams are superb in the field. They don’t give easy runs. They don’t drop chances.”

The former Australian skipper believes that Gill needs to grow into a strong leader beyond just his batting. He said great captains know how to communicate clearly and calmly, whether during training, on the field, or in the dressing room, saying Gill can’t rely only on his runs.

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'Great captains are great communicators'

Chappell noted, “Great captains are great communicators. Gill must become one—and quickly. Whether it’s at training, in the middle, or in the dressing room during a break—clear, calm communication is essential. His bat can’t always do the talking. He must learn to speak in a way that aligns the group, encourages belief, and creates trust.”

At the end, Chappell has predicted that Gill is all set to face his biggest test as a leader in the upcoming fourth Test match against England in Manchester. The Aussie said that the Indian skipper must now lead with calmness, clarity, and confidence because time is running out, and they need a composed captain who can inspire and guide the team under pressure.