India's captain Shubman Gill produced yet another batting masterclass on Wednesday, scoring a magnificent 154 in Lucknow to guide India to a dominant 170-run victory over Afghanistan. The win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, and it also drew high praise from legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar, who offered a candid assessment of Gill's captaincy in relation to his personal form.
Gavaskar, speaking on JioStar's 'Cricket Live' show, addressed the pressure that comes with leading a team when runs are not flowing. 'When you're not getting runs, you're not confident about making those marginal moves that come from your gut feel, like holding back a bowler who has bowled well, giving him an extra over, or moving a fielder from a certain position. That gut feel is a lot stronger when you're personally performing. But if you're not performing, even when you get a gut feel, you're apprehensive about making that call because you're worried about getting it wrong. Since you're also not performing as a player, you'll be criticised for your captaincy as well,' Gavaskar said.
Gill has been in sensational touch over the past three weeks, piling up runs across formats. It all began with a commanding century for Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2, followed by his 11th Test hundred in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He then registered an unbeaten 85 in a rain-affected ODI in Dharamsala before his latest stunning knock in Lucknow. The 26-year-old's consistency has been remarkable, and it has brought back memories of the great Indian batting tradition, where captains like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli often led from the front with the bat.
The Knock That Sealed the Series
Gill's innings of 154 came in challenging conditions, with the Lucknow pitch offering early assistance to the bowlers. However, the Indian captain anchored the innings beautifully, sharing a 224-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who blasted 125 off just 118 balls. Their stand completely took the game away from Afghanistan, as India posted a massive total of 402 for the loss of just 3 wickets. Gill's ability to adapt his game according to the team's needs has been one of his standout qualities. He started cautiously, then accelerated smoothly, and finally provided the finishing touches with innovative strokes.
The partnership with Kishan was particularly noteworthy. While Kishan attacked from the start, Gill ensured stability at the other end, rotating the strike and punishing the loose deliveries. Their running between the wickets was sharp, and they built the platform for a score that was always going to be difficult to chase. Afghanistan's bowlers, who had been impressive in patches during the series, had no answer to the onslaught.
Background of Shubman Gill's Rise
Shubman Gill first came to prominence during the 2018 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he was the man of the tournament, scoring 372 runs in 6 matches at an average of 124. He made his international debut for India in 2019 in an ODI against New Zealand, and soon established himself as a reliable top-order batsman. His Test debut came later that year against Australia, and he played a key role in India's historic series win Down Under in 2020-21, scoring 259 runs in 3 matches including a memorable 91 at Brisbane. Over the years, Gill has become known for his elegant strokeplay, solid technique, and ability to play long innings. He was appointed captain of the Indian team across formats after the 2023 World Cup, following Rohit Sharma's retirement, and has led the side with maturity beyond his years.
His captaincy record has been impressive, with India winning a Test series against Afghanistan and then dominating the ODIs. However, Gavaskar's comments highlight the unique pressure on a captain who is also a key batsman. When runs come, the captaincy decisions seem inspired; when they don't, every move is scrutinized. Gill has managed to keep both aspects of his game synchronized, which has been a major factor in India's recent success.
The Young Pacers Steal the Show
While Gill and Kishan grabbed the headlines with the bat, India's young fast bowlers also played a starring role in completing the victory. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 232, with rookie pacers Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav sharing five wickets between them. Brar, in particular, caught Gavaskar's eye with his impressive run-up, rhythm, and ability to extract steep bounce. Gavaskar praised the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for identifying talent like Brar. 'His run-up is so good, his rhythm is so good, he was hitting the deck and getting the ball to climb. The wicket he got of Gurbaz was particularly impressive because of the way that bouncer followed him. It's very accurate. It comes right at you, exactly where the batter does not want it. I think the selection committee deserves all the compliments. If you look at his stats, or his India A performances, they're okay, but not to the extent where you would say he deserved an India cap. However, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw something in him, and that's why they picked him. He's also been backed by the management, which is so important,' Gavaskar added.
Brar's performance is a testament to India's deep pool of fast-bowling talent. With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and others often rested, the younger generation is getting opportunities and making the most of them. Prince Yadav, another rookie, also showed good control and picked up wickets at crucial junctures. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel too chipped in, ensuring that Afghanistan never got close to the target. The all-round display highlighted the strength of the Indian team even without several senior players.
The series victory was India's second consecutive ODI series win under Gill's captaincy, underlining his leadership credentials. However, the real test will come in tougher conditions and against stronger opposition. Gavaskar's remarks serve as a reminder that form is temporary but class is permanent. For now, Gill is riding the crest of a wave, and Indian fans hope this purple patch continues for a long time.
The third and final ODI of the series will be played in Rajkot, and India will be looking to complete a clean sweep. Gill's form will once again be in focus, and if his recent performances are any indication, the opposition bowlers have a tough task ahead. Meanwhile, the likes of Brar and Yadav will be eager to continue their impressive debut series, as India builds a pool of players for the future. Gavaskar's words of wisdom have once again sparked a debate about the intricate relationship between captaincy and personal performance, but for Gill, the message is clear: keep scoring runs, and the captaincy will take care of itself.
Source: MSN News