Shubman Gill may not be winning tosses, but on the field, India’s young Test captain is slowly turning into a tactical powerhouse. Day 1 of the India vs South Africa Test at Eden Gardens showcased exactly why Gill is being hailed as India’s next big leader. His bold calls, sharp instincts and trust in his bowlers resulted in South Africa collapsing for just 159, and fans finally saw a glimpse of Gill, the captain, coming into his own.
Backing Bumrah at the Right Time
One of Gill’s smartest moves came when South Africa were cruising at 57/0. Many captains would have taken Jasprit Bumrah out of the attack after his 5-over spell. Gill didn’t. He threw the ball to Bumrah and asked him to bowl 1 more over.
That decision changed the entire session. Bumrah struck twice in the next two overs, removing both openers and breaking South Africa’s rhythm. It was the moment momentum swung decisively India’s way.
A Clever Trap for Bavuma
Gill’s next masterstroke was a subtle but game-changing field tweak. After Rishabh Pant observed that Temba Bavuma looked ready to sweep, Gill instantly shifted the forward short leg to a backward position, almost like a wide leg slip.
And soon after, Bavuma fell for the trap. It was a captain reading the game in real time and backing his instincts with precision.
Unwavering Faith in Mohammed Siraj
Perhaps Gill’s most impressive trait on the day was his trust in Mohammed Siraj. The pacer’s first spell leaked 25 runs in 3 overs, and he looked completely off-colour. Yet every time Bumrah needed rest, Gill turned to Siraj. Second spell? No wickets.
But when Siraj asked for “one more over" during his 3rd spell, Gill backed him again. That over yielded two wickets in four balls, vindicating Gill’s faith and giving India complete control.
A Young Captain Showing Real Growth
Gill’s smart bowling changes, sharp field placements and calm communication with his players reflected maturity far beyond his experience. Even though he is still new to international captaincy, his decision-making under pressure suggests India may have found a long-term leader.
On a day when South Africa were dismantled and Bumrah shone, it was Shubman Gill’s captaincy that quietly stole the spotlight. And if this Test is any indication, the future of Indian leadership looks incredibly bright.
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