Former England spinner Monty Panesar has cast doubt on Shubman Gill's ability to captain India across formats, arguing that the young batter lacks the intensity such a role demands.
Speaking to ANI, Panesar acknowledged Gill's talent but criticised his approach under pressure, claiming it often slips into complacency. He drew a clear distinction between Gill and former India captain Virat Kohli, whose aggression and energy, Panesar said, set him apart.
"He is a complacent cricketer. He has a lot of talent, but he starts playing lazy shots in the game," Panesar said. "Virat Kohli's intensity and aggression are evident in all formats. Shubman Gill can't do that. It's too much burden for him. He can't be the captain of all formats."
Panesar's comments come amid a difficult phase for India's Test side under head coach Gautam Gambhir. The team has suffered two whitewash defeats in red-ball cricket—a 3-0 loss to New Zealand and a2-0 defeat in South Africa.
While backing Gambhir's credentials in limited-overs cricket, Panesar suggested the former opener is still adapting to the demands of the longest format as a coach. "Gautam Gambhir is a good coach in white-ball cricket because he has been successful," Panesar said. "He could work in the Ranji Trophy and speak to domestic coaches about how teams are built in red-ball cricket."
Panesar said India's struggles are also a reflection of a transition period following the exit of senior players. "Right now, the Indian team is weak in Test cricket. That is the reality," he said. "When three big players retire, it becomes difficult to keep the rest ready. It takes time."
He also pointed to the absence of Virat Kohli as a major factor in the team's drop in intensity in Tests. "In white-ball cricket, you don't miss Virat Kohli that much," Panesar said. "But in Test cricket, it's obvious he is not there. The intensity is lower."
The former England cricketer went further, questioning the readiness of India's next generation for red-ball cricket. According to Panesar, the growing focus on the IPL and short-format success has widened the gap between domestic cricket and the Test team.
"Indian players are not ready for Test cricket," he said. "Players who do well in T20s and ODIs don't necessarily perform in Tests. The gap between the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Test team is big."
Panesar said financial incentives have shifted priorities away from the longer format. "The boys want to play in the IPL, earn big contracts and play T20Is and ODIs," he said. "Four-day cricket takes hard work and patience. Test cricket pays less, and that affects focus."
He added that rebuilding India's red-ball strength will take time. "The Ranji Trophy system is weak at the moment," Panesar said. "India will need patience to make a proper comeback in Test cricket."
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