Ian Bishop believes India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has strong leadership potential but is still developing into a complete leader.
Ian Bishop: Shubman Gill Shows Promise but Still a Work in Progress
Shubman Gill may have made an impressive start as India’s Test captain, but former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop believes the 26-year-old is far from a finished product, both as a leader and batter. Speaking during the India vs West Indies two-Test series coverage, Bishop praised Gill’s temperament and skill but emphasized that he still has room to grow. His comments came after Gill led India to a 2-0 Test series victory — his first as Test captain.
Gill was entrusted with India’s Test leadership following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format just before the England series. He not only emerged as the top run-scorer with over 750 runs in five Tests but also acquitted himself well as a captain, guiding India to a 2-2 series draw.
Selectors were impressed by his leadership in England, which contributed to Gill being handed the ODI captaincy ahead of Australia, even with Rohit’s return. While Bishop acknowledged Gill’s early promise, he cautioned that tactical growth would take time. “He’ll be fine. Those two guys will help him along the way. He will grow in the job,” Bishop told PTI Videos, referring to senior pros Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “He’s nowhere near the finished article. People have to give him that chance to grow as a captain, and as a batsman, he will grow as well.”
Rohit and Kohli to Support Shubman Gill’s Leadership Growth
Bishop emphasized that the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will provide crucial support for young captain Shubman Gill, both strategically and in managing the pressures of leadership.
While Gill has already established himself as a consistent performer across formats, Bishop highlighted that leadership at the international level comes with a steep learning curve.
