Sunil Gavaskar has stirred debate over the power dynamics within India’s Test team, asserting that captain Shubman Gill—not mentor Gautam Gambhir—should be making the final calls, especially regarding team selection. Speaking during Day 4 of the crucial fourth Test in Manchester, Gavaskar criticized the idea that the team was being unofficially led by Gambhir, despite Gill being officially appointed captain.
He questioned why key players like Kuldeep Yadav weren’t picked, implying that such decisions may not fully reflect Gill’s choices. “It’s Shubman Gill’s team, not Gambhir’s,” Gavaskar told Hindustan Times, suggesting that behind-the-scenes narratives of harmony may be masking deeper issues.
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The former India captain reflected on his own era, saying captains then had clarity since they were advised by team managers or ex-players rather than governed by a head coach. He admitted difficulty understanding the modern coach-captain dynamic and stressed that the final responsibility—and decision—must rest with the captain, not the backroom staff.
Gavaskar’s remarks have sparked broader questions about who truly leads India’s new-look Test side.