Gary Kirsten Backs Shubman Gill as Future India Captain, Urges Him to Emulate MS Dhoni's Man-Management Skills

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CFLL Staff

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17 Jul 2025 | 01:36 PM
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Shubman Gill has made a remarkable start to his captaincy journey during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. With three centuries in as many Test matches, Gill has scored over 600 runs, including a highest score of 269, showcasing both leadership and batting prowess.

 

Former India coach Gary Kirsten, who guided India to their iconic 2011 World Cup triumph, believes that Gill has the potential to become a long-term leader for the national side. However, Kirsten emphasized that successful captaincy is about more than just on-field performances.

 

> “It’s still early days, but Shubman has immense potential. He’s a smart cricketer and a very capable player. However, captaincy demands a blend of skills, and man-management is a key part of that,” Kirsten said in an interview with Rediff.

 

KIRSTEN URGES GILL TO LEARN FROM MS DHONI’S LEADERSHIP STYLE

 

Highlighting the leadership qualities of MS Dhoni, Kirsten encouraged Gill to adopt Dhoni’s people skills to complete his captaincy arsenal.

 

> “MS Dhoni was an outstanding man-manager. That was one of his greatest strengths. If Shubman can develop that aspect of his leadership, he has all the ingredients to become a great captain for India,” Kirsten noted.

 

THOUGHTS ON GAUTAM GAMBHIR’S COACHING STINT

 

Kirsten also shared his views on Gautam Gambhir’s new role as India’s head coach. Gambhir, a key player in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad under Kirsten, took over the coaching reins recently and has already found success in the IPL, guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 title as a mentor.

 

Although Kirsten admitted he hasn’t worked with Gambhir in a coaching capacity, he praised his character and competitive nature.

 

> “I don’t know Gautam the coach well, but I admired Gautam the player. He’s tough, determined, and has a unique personality. The key question is whether his style resonates with the players. That’s what will define his success,” Kirsten said.

 

HOPE FOR GAMBHIR'S SUCCESS WITH INDIAN TEAM

 

Kirsten expressed confidence in Gambhir’s cricketing acumen and hoped that he would get the support needed to flourish in his new role.

 

> “He’s had success in the IPL and has shown leadership qualities before. I just hope he’s getting the support he needs and that the players are connecting with him. He has a great cricketing brain and can bring real value to the team,” he concluded.

 

NEXT TEST SET FOR JULY 23 IN MANCHESTER

 

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continues with the fourth Test scheduled to begin on July 23 in Manchester. With India leading the series and Gill in top form, all eyes will be on how the young skipper continues to evolve under pressure.