Former Indian coach advised Shubman Gill to learn the language that unites the team, read the big news

Shubman Gill, one of India's most promising young talents, is being seen as the future leader of Indian cricket. While he has shown flashes of brilliance with the bat and taken up the responsibility of leading the team in recent matches, former Indian coach Greg Chappell believes that Gill still has a lot to learn—especially when it comes to communication and leadership. In his latest ESPN Cricinfo column, Chappell shared his insights about what it takes to build a championship-winning side and how Gill must evolve not just as a batsman but also as a captain and leader.

According to Chappell, a good team is not just about talented individuals; it is about how well those individuals come together, understand their roles, and work in harmony under a clear and strong leadership. The former Australian great emphasized that selectors and the team captain must work closely to identify key players, evaluate their strengths, and assign roles that match their skills. Simply having star performers is not enough if they are not part of a cohesive plan. “A great captain is always a great communicator,” Chappell wrote, suggesting that Gill needs to work on how he talks to his team both on and off the field.

He stressed that while Gill’s batting has been commendable, especially during the Test series against England, leadership is not just about scoring runs. India currently trails 1-2 in the five-match series, and despite some strong individual performances, the team has lacked consistency. This,

Chappell believes, could be resolved by having better clarity in roles and expectations. He advised Gill to engage more deeply with his teammates—during practice sessions, matches, and even in the dressing room. A calm and direct communication style can help players understand their responsibilities better and also build trust and unity in the team.

Another point that Chappell raised was the importance of creating a "core group" within the squad. He believes that this core team, which may consist of around 6–7 players, should be clearly told what is expected of them. These players should act as the backbone of the team, around whom the rest of the squad can function smoothly. Selectors and Gill must work together to not just pick these players but also ensure they are aligned with the team’s larger goals and vision. In many unsuccessful teams, Chappell noted, players are often left to interpret their roles by themselves. This kind of ambiguity can hurt performance, especially at the international level, where the margin for error is minimal.

Chappell's observations come at a crucial time, with the Indian team preparing for the fourth Test match against England, set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester. With the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how Gill responds—not just with the bat, but in how he leads his team under pressure. His ability to unite the group, bring clarity to their roles, and instill a sense of purpose could be the difference between a comeback win and another disappointing loss.

In conclusion, Chappell’s advice underscores the evolving role of modern cricket captains. It’s not enough to be a top performer; captains must also be empathetic communicators and strategic thinkers. For Shubman Gill, this moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If he can rise to it, not only can he guide India to a series-levelling win, but he can also take a big step forward in his journey toward becoming one of the great leaders in Indian cricket history.