Gary Kirsten got a close look at Shubman Gill’s leadership skills during their time together at Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The former South African opener worked as the team’s batting coach and mentor during the 2024 season, which was also Shubman’s first year as captain.
Gary Kirsten’s Firsthand Experience with Shubman Gill at Gujarat Titans
After Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May, Shubman was named the new captain of India’s Test team. But it hasn’t been the easiest start for him. India is currently down 1-2 in the five-match series against England, with the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy still on the line.
Recently, Gary Kirsten shared his thoughts on Shubman Gill’s captaincy. He said Gill has made a strong first impression and has all the qualities needed to become a successful Indian captain. Kirsten also advised him to work on becoming a great man manager, taking inspiration from someone like MS Dhoni.
“Well, it’s early days. I think he’s got great potential. Captaincy is a whole lot of things that you’ve got to put together. He’s a great thinker in the game. He’s a good player himself. But there’s a whole bunch of things you’ve got to get right. And I think man management is going to play, like any leader. Dhoni was an incredible man-manager. If he can get that component of his leadership really fired up, I think he has all the credentials to become a great captain for India,” Kirsten said in an interview with Rediff.com.
India’s Hopes Rest on Gill’s Comeback Leadership
Gary Kirsten, who hails from Cape Town, shared a strong working relationship with MS Dhoni during his time as India’s head coach. Their understanding and teamwork played a key role in India’s historic ODI World Cup win in 2011, ending a 28-year wait.
As for Shubman Gill, he has been in fantastic form with the bat in England. In six innings, he has scored 607 runs at an impressive average of 101.17. The 25-year-old will be aiming to lead from the front and help India bounce back strongly against Ben Stokes and his team.
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