Gambhir lauds Gill’s growth as Test captain after 2-0 series win over West Indies

October 14, 2025

India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Shubman Gill’s growth as a skipper after the hosts completed a 2-0 Test series sweep over the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

Gill, entrusted with the captaincy following the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli this year, had already weathered a stern examination during India’s 2-2 drawn five-match series in England.

“I think he has already passed his toughest test as a Test captain. That was in England, five Test matches away – away from home, tough conditions, against a quality team. I think every Test match is important, every one-day game is important, every T20 game is important which you represent your country in,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference after India wrapped up the series win.

The triumph in New Delhi marked Gill’s first series win as India’s Test captain, especially in his first time of leading India in the longer format on home soil. India getting the seven-wicket win on day five also doubled as a birthday gift for Gambhir, who turned 44 at the stadium with a stand named after him.

Asked about the advice he’s offered Gill in terms of leadership, Gambhir said the key was authenticity. “Just be himself. I think that is what I have said. I think no one has done him a favour by appointing him the Test or ODI captain. He deserves to be there. He has worked hard and I have said that he ticks all the boxes. For me as a coach, I think as someone who has seen him do the right things, work hard, have the commitment, put his body on the line, being the first guy on the field, what more can a coach ask for?”

Gambhir acknowledged the challenges Gill faced during the England tour and praised his composure there. “I know it is tough for him. It was tough and I have said it many times that England was one of the toughest test for him. Five test matches over the course of two, two and a half months against a quality side, an intimidating playing line-up and an inexperienced Indian team. What more could he have faced?

“But then again, the way he handled himself and more importantly, I think the way he has handled the team and more importantly, the way the team has responded to him – I think sometimes you only keep talking about the captain. But the way the team has responded to him and to his leadership is equally important.”

“He has got to give credit to the entire crew in their dressing room. Yes, you do earn respect by scoring runs, but you also earn respect by saying and doing the right things. I think your actions should be more than any other thing, not just the performances and he has phenomenally done well.”