Former Team India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his thoughts on Shubman Gill’s aggressive approach during the third Test against England at Lord’s. Manjrekar stated that Gill has never been naturally fiery, unlike Virat Kohli, whose aggressive attitude has always been visible even before becoming captain.

Shubman Gill faced criticism after India’s defeat to England in the third Test at Lord’s, where they failed to chase a target of 193. Gill was accused of faltering under pressure during the Lord’s Test. He was also involved in multiple heated on-field moments, including a verbal spat with Zak Crawley on Day 3.

We Would Have Seen It a Little Earlier – Sanjay Manjrekar on Shubman Gill’s Aggression

Sanjay Manjrekar questioned Shubman Gill’s aggression during the third Test. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar compared Gill to Virat Kohli. He added that Gill has become aggressive due to recent success and growing confidence after scoring heavily and winning a Test as captain.

“If Shubman Gill had that kind of a fiery side to him, we would have seen it a little earlier. You don’t have to show it when you’re the captain. Or did he show it because he’s got this confidence now that he’s won a Test match, and he’s got so many runs? Because with Virat Kohli, you could see that he was ready for a scrap. With Shubman Gill, I’ve never seen it before,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

Shubman Gill’s Father Would Know Him Best – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said that Gill’s father could play a key role in shaping his future as a leader. Manjrekar added that only his father would know whether Gill follows Virat Kohli’s aggressive style, MS Dhoni’s calm approach, or somewhere in between.

“There are a lot of good people around him. His father [who played a big part as he grew up pursuing a career in cricket], in fact, would know him, would know his child, whether he’s a Virat Kohli, potential Virat Kohli or [MS] Dhoni or somewhere in between.”

“I’m guessing somewhere in between. So he’s got to find his own way. But whatever way that is, it’s got to be a way that will enhance his leadership qualities and make him a better batter,” Manjrekar said.

Shubman Gill Shines with the Bat in England-India Series

Gill has been the standout performer for India with the bat in the ongoing series. He has scored 607 runs in six innings at an average of over 101.

Gill scored a double century (269) in the second Test at Edgbaston – the highest score by an Indian in England and also the highest by an Indian captain.

The right-handed batter followed it up with another century in the second innings, finishing with 430 runs in the match – the second-highest in Test history after Graham Gooch’s 456.

However, India trail 1-2 in the series after a narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s, where Gill managed only 22 runs across two innings. The fourth Test is set to commence on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford.

India needs a win to stay alive in the series. Notably, they have never won a Test at Old Trafford in nine attempts, with four defeats and five draws. Their last appearance there in 2014 ended in an innings defeat.

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