Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes Shubman Gill is still growing into captaincy, even after leading India to a series win over Afghanistan.
A mixed start as ODI captain
Gill took the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma, and early results were mixed. India lost 1-2 to Australia in October 2025 and again 1-2 to New Zealand earlier this year. The Afghanistan series brought his first series win in charge, with India dominant in every department.
Tiwary told Cricbuzz the series went well for Gill and that he will improve with every series he leads. He said Gill is not a born leader yet but learns with time, unlike someone for whom everything comes naturally.
The role of senior players
Tiwary stressed that senior players can ease a young captain’s burden. He said it matters that Rohit, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stay in the side and advise Gill, so that he avoids the mistakes they made as captains. He added that India’s strong bowling attack makes captaincy easier, since world-class bowlers can deliver in any situation.
Gill with the bat
Gill was also outstanding as a batter. The Punjab player scored 238 runs in two innings, an average of 238 at a strike rate of 135.23, finishing as the series’ top run-scorer by a distance and taking Player of the Series.
His next test comes next month in a three-match ODI series against England in the United Kingdom, where his leadership will face a sterner examination.
