India batter Karun Nair has hailed new Test captain Shubman Gill’s composed leadership during the recent series against England — a campaign that also marked Nair’s long-awaited return to the team after over eight years.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from the format and head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasising a team-first philosophy, India went into the series in a phase of transition. Among the changes was the recall of Karun Nair, who had last played a Test in 2017. After a wait of over 3,000 days, the 33-year-old returned to the whites as India battled to a 2-2 draw against England.
Nair told ESPNcricinfo that Gill’s leadership was a key contributor to India’s series-long consistency.
“The way Shubman held everyone together and the encouragement he gave was great to see. He was crystal clear with his communication from the beginning. To achieve what he did as a batter, while also leading the team as a leader, he exemplified the spirit of Gauti (Gautam Gambhir)bhai,” Nair said.
Gill’s first overseas series as captain ended on a high with a thrilling win in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, sealing a 2-2 series draw. At just 25, the opener not only aced his maiden leadership challenge but also excelled with the bat, topping the series charts with 754 runs — including a double hundred and a century in the same Test at Edgbaston.
For Nair, the comeback was bittersweet. After failing to turn promising starts into substantial scores in the first four Tests, he made his mark in the Oval clash with a crucial 57 in the first innings — a knock that played a key role in India’s series-levelling victory.
India’s youthful, inexperienced team demonstrated tenacity against a full-strength England team at home under Gill’s leadership. The triumph at the Oval, together with Gill’s batting form and tactical understanding, has increased confidence in his long-term prospects as India’s Test captain.
