Introduction: A Captain Under Fire

The fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 24, 2025, witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. India, led by Shubman Gill, posted a respectable 358 in their first innings, thanks in part to Rishabh Pant’s heroic 54 runs despite a fractured toe. However, England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, responded with a blistering 166-run partnership, prompting former England captain Nasser Hussain to sharply criticize Gill’s leadership. His scathing remark, “Rishabh Pant went out there on one leg, and got valuable runs today. They’ve just handed those runs back to England,” underscored the tactical errors that allowed England to dominate Day 2. This essay explores the context of Hussain’s critique, Gill’s captaincy challenges, and the broader implications for India’s campaign.

Rishabh Pant’s Courageous Contribution

Rishabh Pant’s gritty performance was a highlight of India’s innings. Battling a fractured toe sustained from a Chris Woakes yorker, Pant walked out to bat on Day 2, earning a standing ovation from the Manchester crowd. His 54 runs off 75 balls, including a six against Jofra Archer, showcased his resilience and flair. Despite visible pain, Pant’s refusal to seek assistance—famously saying, “Main kar lunga” (I’ll do it myself)—as he climbed the dressing room stairs highlighted his determination. This effort was pivotal in pushing India past 350, a total that seemed competitive given the conditions. However, the subsequent bowling performance rendered Pant’s heroics seemingly futile, as England’s openers capitalized on India’s tactical lapses.

Shubman Gill’s Tactical Missteps

Nasser Hussain’s criticism centered on Gill’s “reactive and muddled” captaincy, particularly his bowling choices. Opting to give the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj over the experienced Mohammed Siraj raised eyebrows. Kamboj, who wasn’t in the squad a week prior, struggled, conceding 17 runs in his first three overs, including three boundaries in his opening over. Hussain argued that Siraj, known for his fiery spells, should have been utilized for a short burst alongside Jasprit Bumrah to exploit the pitch’s “green channel,” which had aided England’s Ben Stokes in securing a five-wicket haul. Instead, India’s bowlers sprayed the ball, offering too many deliveries on the pads, allowing Duckett (94) and Crawley (84) to dominate. By stumps, England reached 225/2 in just 46 overs, trailing by only 133 runs, a stark contrast to India’s six-session toil for 358.

The Broader Context: India’s Bowling Struggles

India’s bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, failed to back Pant’s effort. The decision to prioritize Kamboj over Siraj was compounded by poor line and length, as highlighted by both Hussain and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting noted that India were “tactically off,” with field placements and bowling strategies misaligned. The pitch offered uneven bounce and sideways movement, yet India’s pacers couldn’t capitalize, unlike Stokes, who bowled relentlessly to dismantle India’s middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Kamboj eventually broke the opening stand, but the damage was done. England’s brisk scoring rate of 4.89 runs per over underscored India’s inability to control the game, raising questions about Gill’s ability to lead under pressure.

Gill’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny

Shubman Gill, at 25, is navigating one of his toughest challenges as India’s Test captain. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired, the young skipper faces immense pressure to fill the leadership void. His decisions in Manchester, including reactive field placements and questionable bowler rotations, echoed earlier critiques. Former India spinner Murali Kartik, commenting on the first Test, noted that Gill struggled to “stamp authority,” with senior players like KL Rahul and Pant offering inputs, creating an impression of “too many captains.” Hussain’s remarks further highlighted Gill’s inexperience, particularly in managing resources in bowler-friendly conditions. As England lead the series 2-1, Day 3 looms as a “series-defining” moment, with Michael Vaughan urging India to channel Kohli’s intensity.

Implications for India’s Campaign

Hussain’s critique is not just about one session but reflects broader concerns about India’s adaptability in overseas conditions. Pant’s injury, ruling him out for the series, adds to the challenges, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper. India’s inability to seize key moments, as seen in the third Test’s run-out of Pant and the Lord’s defeat, underscores the need for tactical sharpness. Gill’s leadership will be tested as India aim to level the series. Learning from these missteps, particularly in utilizing experienced bowlers and maintaining discipline, will be crucial for India to regain momentum.

Conclusion: A Learning Curve for Gill

Nasser Hussain’s pointed criticism of Shubman Gill’s captaincy in Manchester highlights a critical juncture for India’s young leader. Rishabh Pant’s valiant effort set the stage, but Gill’s tactical errors allowed England to seize control. As India head into Day 3, trailing and under pressure, Gill must address these shortcomings to steer his team back into contention. The Manchester Test is a stark reminder that captaincy demands not just intent but precision, especially against a resurgent England side.

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