Indian skipper Shubman Gill is under scrutiny ahead of the fourth Test, with former India batter Manoj Tiwary criticizing his on-field behaviour.
From Double Century to Discipline Questions: Gill’s Series So Far
Gill has had a mixed series as captain. He scored a century in the opening Test at Headingley, but India lost that match, and his bowling changes came under fire. He bounced back in the second Test at Birmingham, leading India to a historic win with a double century and a century, earning the Player of the Match award.
However, things took a downturn again at Lord's. He drew criticism for his verbal exchange with Zak Crawley, who was delaying play after a finger injury caused by Jasprit Bumrah.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Harbhajan Singh explains why India should play Kuldeep Yadav in Manchester Test
Tiwary Slams Gill for Imitating Kohli’s Aggression
Many experts felt Gill’s animated conduct contributed to his poor batting performance, and Manoj Tiwary was among those unhappy with his behaviour. Tiwary accused Gill of trying to imitate former captain Virat Kohli’s aggressive style.
“I don't like the way Captain Gill is going about things. I think he is trying to copy what Virat did last time. And as a result, it is not helping his batting,” Tiwary told SportsBoom.
Tiwary observed that since taking on IPL captaincy duties, Gill has developed a more aggressive mindset, often seen arguing with umpires—something uncharacteristic of him.
“He doesn't need to show that kind of aggression. He doesn't have to prove anything,” Tiwary said.
“Control Your Words”: Tiwary on Gill’s Stump Mic Remarks
Tiwary also warned that excessive aggression drains a player’s energy.
“I know a captain should lead from the front, but this much aggression is not required. It takes your energy away.”
He further criticized Gill for using inappropriate language near the stump mics, stressing the responsibility that comes with representing India.
“I am not happy with the language and words that are coming in the audio. You are representing the Indian cricket team. If you use slang, the next generation will pick it up. This needs to be controlled.”
Despite the criticism, Tiwary encouraged Gill to stick to aggressive batting rather than verbal aggression.
“He can stick to his aggressive style with the bat. That doesn’t mean he has to always respond verbally. Winning Test matches shows true aggression. India could have been leading the series 2-1. This kind of aggression doesn’t help the game, especially coming from the captain of the Indian team,” Tiwary concluded.
The fourth Test between India and England is set to begin at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester on July 23.
