Ravichandran Ashwin lauds Shubman Gill, says he looks completely in control against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on Shubman Gill for his consistent performances in the first two Test matches against England. Gill has been in unbelievable form as he has amassed 585 runs in two Test matches at an average of 146.25.

The Indian captain has been batting at the top of his game and has led from the front. Gill aggregated 430 runs in the second Test and played a key role in India’s historic win at Edgbaston.

The flamboyant batter had a 96% control in the first innings of the second Test when he scored a magnum opus knock of 269 runs against the hosts.

Ashwin hailed Gill for his mature statements while talking to the press as a leader in the ongoing series.

“Shubman has a natural flair,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “I was watching his press conference, and I immediately saw that he is not putting on a show. He is talking like who he is. He is leading the team per his natural skills and thinking. It’s visually very evident.”

“Don’t take it out of context, but a lot of players are coached about what to say and what to do. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Shubman Gill. He looks like a man who is doing what he believes in and a lot of people coaching you, putting thoughts in your head might not help in bringing out your natural self. Shubman Gill looks completely in control and is enjoying himself,” he added.

Ashwin, who retired from Test cricket during the Australian tour, said the overseas media always looks to target the opposition captain to put the team under the pump.

“In overseas tours, the overseas media target the captain because if you bring the captain down, it becomes easy to bring the team down,” Ashwin said. “You can get them to fall like nine pins if you go after the captain. So that’s why captain in good form and command of the team is very important.”

“Unfortunately, the English media tried (to target Gill). Honestly, we were also skeptical but in two matches he has answered everybody with aplomb. England have missed a trick by playing on these pitches and giving runs aplenty to the Indian batters. Now it’s Shubman Gill’s series to really conquer.” he added.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.