Gill should be given time as a leader, says former India captain Azharuddin

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin shares his thoughts on Shubman Gill leading India in England, discussing the strengths of the Indian bowling attack and giving advice to batters for success

Hyderabad: It will never be easy for England’s batting to get away against an Indian attack, which is really good, feels former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

The 63-year-old former India captain, Azhar, in an exclusive chat with Telangana Today, said that Shubman Gill-led India, which begins the England tour with a five-Test series tomorrow, would have a great chance of doing well if the conditions are helpful to the bowlers.

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“I don’t think England has the kind of bowling attack, at least on paper, to threaten India. The hosts miss the experience and class of the pace duo of James Anderson and Chris Broad, who have retired,” Azhar said.

“I am not sure what kind of impact the spinners will have—it again depends on the conditions,” he said about the spinners’ impact on the series.

“If it is really cold and the ball is swinging around, their role could be confined to containment. But yes, there is a possibility of them being effective in the second half of the series for sure,” Azhar pointed out.

On Shubman Gill as a leader, Azhar, arguably one of the finest batters India has ever produced, felt that Gill should be given time. “He is a class bat. I hope he will be successful. We shouldn’t make any comparisons. It is always good to encourage a new captain,” he said.

“Ideally, my honest opinion is that Gill should bat at No. 3, and if the captain leads from the front in that slot, imagine the kind of impact it will have on others,” Azhar commented on Gill’s batting slot.

“Well, my advice to the Indian batters is to be patient, especially when the ball is swinging. But, at the same time, one has to play his natural game and not be over-cautious,” Azhar said. “Yes, stroke selection is the key to success in England,” he said.

“There is no doubt, India will miss the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for sure. Any team will miss players of that class, who have been around for so many years. But, I am sure, the team will find it tough in their absence. However, I am confident that this batting line-up has the ability to rise to the occasion,” he signed off.