Ricky Ponting gives reality check to Shubman Gill on sledging

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has backed Indian skipper Shubman Gill for his on-field confrontation with Zak Crawley. The former Australian, who was known for his animated emotions on the pitch, seems impressed by Gill's forwardness.

Though first calling out Shubman Gill's act as a bit 'out of character,' Ricky Ponting has specified that it seemed as if a captain was standing up for his team. Immense criticisms have been launched at Gill for his outrage, while Gill too has provided an official reason for the act.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Manchester Test, the Indian skipper accepted his fault at being too agitated but also reasoned that his agitation was not due to the players delaying the course of the game or a possible physio checkup, but because they arrived 90 seconds late on the field.

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Ricky Ponting backs Gill's Lord's move as a 'Captain Standing for his team'

Ever since the incident took place, there have been a bunch of players and cricket pundits who have blasted Shubman Gill for the unwanted aggression; some have also said that England were charged up and fired back with sledges during the final Indian innings at Lord's as a aftermath of Gill's actions.

However, for former skipper Ricky Ponting, the perspective looks very different. “That was a little out of character from what I’ve known from Shubman in the past. I am sure everyone that was there watching it and I know you would know him quite well, that’s not what he’s generally like,” said Ponting on ICC Review.

“That’s the captain standing up for his team, that’s a captain really wanting to show that it’s his team now and this is the way that we’re going to play the game, and also, I guess, wanting to give a little bit back,” Ricky Ponting added further.

Ponting draws Virat Kohli comparisons

Watching Shubman Gill's new unleashed version, the former Australian was reminded of India's most magnetic Test captain, Virat Kohli. Virat was largely known for his aggression and fearless mindset, a glimpse of which was shown by Gill at Lord's.

“I think that’s him starting to put his stamp on his team. And a lot like Virat (Kohli) did, similar ways like that. Rohit (Sharma) probably was never as outwardly aggressive, I guess, especially to opposition players."

"I know he (Rohit) would quite often get aggressive with his teammates and try to bring the best out of them that way. But I love watching Shubman stand up for what he thought was right in the game last week,” said Ricky Ponting on the great Indian skipper.

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India arrive at Manchester in the hope of ending the trailing scoreline

After the roller coaster Test match action at Lord's, India was defeated by a close margin of 22 runs by England. The host side extended their lead in the series to 2-1.

India started off with a loss at Headingley, despite a stunning batting masterclass by many of their batters; however, the Shubman Gill-led side took the challenge and defeated England for the first time at Birmingham.

But on a seemingly modest chase, India faltered at Lord's and hence would now be desperate to secure the Manchester Test. The match is a decisive one, as it will be a do-or-die for the Indian team.