Shubman Gill’s maiden series as India’s Test captain continues to throw stiff challenges at him, with the visitors under pressure on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. After England’s dominant response with the bat, Gill’s decision-making, particularly around reviews, came under the spotlight. India were bowled out for 358 on Day 2 and then endured a frustrating opening stand of 166 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Anshul Kamboj eventually broke the partnership, but by then England had seized control. Things deteriorated further on Day 3 as England piled on the runs, going past 460 with Joe Root scoring yet another hundred. Amid the growing scoreboard pressure, India’s bowlers looked ineffective, and even their use of the Decision Review System became a talking point.
A video clip showing Gill surrounded by teammates during a review call went viral. As the group debated whether to go upstairs for an LBW appeal, it was Washington Sundar who initially pushed for the review, arguing, “It wasn’t that high. It didn’t even go that high.”KL Rahul, however, offered a different assessment that eventually swayed the captain. “It’s not height. You know how far he played? Three meters,” Rahul reasoned. India decided to take the review, and were ultimately proven wrong. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, praised Rahul’s intervention. “India have already lost two reviews. Both times, it was Mohammed Siraj that was bowling. How difficult would it be for a young captain, when there was so much excitement from his teammates to take the review,” Manjrekar said.
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Highlighting Rahul’s impact, he added, “KL Rahul was the voice of reason. His suggestion was absolutely right, and Gill should maybe listen to him more.” With England showing no signs of slowing down and Root continuing to torment Indian bowlers, Gill’s leadership faces a real test as India try to stay alive in the series.
