Gautam Gambhir praised Shubman Gill's captaincy and stated that he is developing into a bowler-friendly leader. He also explained the reasoning behind giving young bowlers opportunities in difficult matches.

Gautam Gambhir praised Shubman Gill's captaincy

India achieved a massive target of 406 runs in the second ODI against the West Indies, achieving a resounding victory. Shubman Gill's unbeaten 223-run innings grabbed headlines, but after the match, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir focused more on Gill's captaincy than his batting. Gambhir said that Gill is gradually becoming a captain who understands his bowlers and is earning their trust.

Gambhir said that Gill's game has improved since assuming the captaincy. He is progressing in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. Gill commands the respect of the players in the dressing room, and the team listens to him. According to Gambhir, it's important for a captain to understand how challenging the conditions on the field can be for bowlers. For this reason, he described Gill as gradually becoming a bowler's captain.

Why did you field young bowlers in difficult matches?

Gambhir also defended the decision to give young fast bowlers Aaqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar a chance in the second ODI. He said that simply giving young players opportunities in easy matches is not enough to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. They should also gain experience playing in pressure-packed matches.

Gurnur took 2 wickets for 96 runs in 10 overs. Meanwhile, Aaqib Nabi made his ODI debut and conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs. While the statistics may not be in his favor, Gambhir believes such matches provide young bowlers with essential experience for the future.

Gambhir concerned about the Guwahati pitch.

Both teams scored over 400 runs in this match. Despite this, Gambhir questioned the Guwahati pitch. He said that the contest between bat and ball should be more equal. According to him, a bowler should not be judged solely on his runs and wickets, but also on how well he executed his plans in difficult conditions. With this victory, India took a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.