“Bat Can’t Do All the Talking”: Ex Indian Head Coach Slams Shubman Gill’s Leadership Style

Former India coach Greg Chappell has urged Shubman Gill to grow not just as a batter but also as a true leader and communicator. While Gill has shown great promise with the bat during his first series as India’s full-time Test captain, Chappell feels that leadership is about much more than just personal performance.

India is currently behind 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, despite Shubman Gill’s outstanding form, which includes two centuries and a career-best 269 at Edgbaston. As the series moves into its final stages, Gill’s abilities as a strategist and motivator are being closely watched.

“Shubman Gill Must Be a Better Communicator” – Chappell’s Straight Talk

Writing in his column for ESPN Cricinfo, Chappell emphasized that great captains are not just elite performers—they are exceptional communicators.

“Gill must become one—and quickly,” he wrote. “Whether it’s at training, in the middle, or in the dressing room, clear, calm communication is essential. His bat can’t always do the talking.”

Chappell insisted that Gill needs to align the squad around a shared game plan, define clear roles for every player, and foster belief and trust within the group.

Defining a Team Identity: What Should Gill Do Next?

The former Australian star also made an important point about building team culture. He believes India’s captain should shape the team’s identity through both words and actions.

“The captain sets the tone—not just by what they say, but through their actions, clear purpose, and visible standards. That means demanding discipline on the field.”

This was a clear criticism of India’s sloppy fielding in the earlier Tests. At Headingley, India missed several chances, and the same pattern continued at Lord’s, including a costly drop of Jamie Smith in the third Test.

Aggression at Lord’s: Passion or Pressure?

Gill’s emotional outburst towards Zak Crawley on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test also caused a discussion. The England opener is said to have stopping short of stumps and Gill was livid. Gill was seen exchanging a few swears and gestures, but very thankfully didn’t get sanctioned.

While passionate on field is always appreciated by the fans, the question is whether it distracted Gill from focusing on the cricket, as he was dismissed for only 6 runs in the second inning.

“His passion on the field at Lord’s was good to see,” Chappell noted. “But those actions only matter if they are backed up by hard work done behind the scenes.”

Old Trafford Awaits: Shubman Gill’s Biggest Test Yet?

With the series on the line and England up 2-1, the fourth Test at Old Trafford is going to be a defining moment for Shubman Gill —not just as a batsman, but as a leader under pressure.

Chappell’s comments have opened up a worthwhile discussion about how India’s next-gen leaders should develop leadership capabilities that go beyond talent. For Gill, on this occasion it will be a test of mental fortitude, tactical acuity and most importantly — communication.

Shubman Gill’s Batting in IND vs ENG Test Series 2025 (So Far)

Despite the team’s performance, Gill remains the leading run-scorer of the series and has shown tremendous potential as captain.