Since becoming the captain of the Indian team, Shubman Gill has scored three centuries in three Test matches in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. However, the captaincy job is still a work in progress. India’s former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten has given his opinion about Gill.
“It’s early days yet. I think he has immense potential. In captaincy you have to put many things together. He is a great thinker in the game. He is a good player himself. But you have to get many things right. And I think man management will also come into play like any captain,” Kirsten said in an interview to Rediff.
Kirsten, along with MS Dhoni, led India to their 50-over World Cup win in 2011 after 28 years. Kirsten suggested that Gill could learn a quality from Dhoni. “Dhoni was an incredible man-manager. If he can hone this aspect of his leadership skills fully, I think he has all the qualities to become a great captain for India.”
Kirsten’s opinion about Gambhir
Giving his opinion about Gambhir, Kirsten said, “I don’t know coach Gautam at all.” Kirsten also gave information about Gambhir’s personality. He said, “I really like Gautam as a player. There is a toughness in him which is very useful. I think he is really strong. But he has a personality and he has a style. The biggest thing is, does this personality and style connect with the Indian players? That is what will really matter.”
Kirsten said, “I am a big fan of Gautam and I hope he is getting the support he needs and the players, if not already, are starting to warm up to him and understand how he wants to work and whether he can add value to the team.”
FAQ
Who made the statement about Shubman Gill and MS Dhoni?
Former India coach Gary Kirsten made this statement while speaking about Shubman Gill’s captaincy during the ENG vs IND 2025 series.
What does Gary Kirsten mean by ‘man manager’?
A ‘man manager’ is a leader who handles players well off the field — managing egos, understanding personalities, and keeping the team united — just like MS Dhoni did during his captaincy.
Why did Gary Kirsten compare Gill to Dhoni?
Kirsten believes that while Gill has strong cricketing skills, he needs to improve his leadership and player-handling abilities to reach the level of captains like Dhoni.
How has Shubman Gill performed as captain so far?
Gill has shown promise as a captain, but opinions are mixed. Some experts say he needs more time and experience, especially in high-pressure situations like the ongoing England series.
