Ricky Ponting praised Shubman Gill’s captaincy and said that the real fighter in him comes out when the team needs him the most. After being a leader in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, Gill took over as captain of the Test team ahead of the England tour. The 26-year-old led the team well, scoring 754 runs in five Tests with four hundreds to his name as India leveled the series at 2-2.
Gill was then named ODI captainRohit Sharma taking over. While the first ODI against Australia in Perth did not go to plan, Ponting said he was impressed with Gill as captain. Speaking to the ICC Review, the Australian legend said Gill was a bit out of character at times but pushed his authority aside.
“I actually liked what he did with that team in the UK against a really good England side. There were some moments where he was probably a bit out of character. He did what he had to do to put his stamp on the team and really get behind it. The little things he did – like not driving off the ground in Manchester – I just think he made a big impression. He asserted his authority in the team really quickly. And he led by example for the ICC with bat,” Pont said.
“Bulldok came out when the team needed him the most”
Usually a very calm customer on the pitch, Gill showed his aggressive side during the England tour when the team needed him the most. Ponting said the Bulldog in Gill came out during that time and was impressed with that aspect.
“When there was a critical moment where he had to draw a line in the sand, he did it. That wasn’t always his way – he’s usually quite calm and cool on the field. But that real fighting spirit, sort of a bulldog, came when his team needed him the most. That’s what I want to see from any player representing the country,” Ponting said.
India and Australia will play again on October 23.
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Published on:
October 22, 2025
