The Second Test Review should start by addressing the elephant in the room. When Shubman Gill was appointed as the Test team captain, many eyebrows were raised in unison. Does he have what it takes? Is he in the same league as Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli? Can he deliver with the bat and still manage the pressures of leadership? And does his captaincy bring aggression or versatility?
The first Test in Leeds only increased his doubters. Despite India posting five centuries in an innings for the first time, Gill and his bowling unit lacked the sharpness to truly challenge the Bazball merchants. India fell short by just five wickets—what could have been a dream debut win for Gill slipped away.
But after a few days’ break and 200km of travel, we witnessed a new version of Gill. It was like watching Steve Rogers after taking the super serum. Already a supremely gifted batter, Gill channeled his frustration into runs, and took the matter into his own hands.
He became only the fifth batter in Test history to cross 400 runs in a single match. Had he scored 27 more runs, he would’ve broken Graham Gooch’s long-standing record of 456 runs against India in 1990. With this kind of form, Indian fans may not miss King Kohli’s absence in the batting lineup as much as they feared.
Aggression, Calm, or a Gill Blueprint?
Indian Test captains have historically had distinct styles. Sourav Ganguly was the first modern-day aggressive leader. Dravid captained like the gentleman he is. Rohit Sharma had a balanced and composed approach. Captain Cool MS Dhoni used tactics and calm, never relying on visible aggression.
Then there was Virat Kohli — India’s most successful Test captain. His method was intense and in-your-face. From ball one, opponents would feel the heat. The inner fielding circle often became a war zone, filled with fire and words.
Gill now stands at a crossroads: pick a template or carve his own. To succeed, he must trust his players and push them to deliver. His slightly delayed declaration in the first Test reflected some doubt in the bowling unit. That moment might define how his captaincy philosophy evolves. But the series is long — let’s wait and watch how Gill’s story unfolds.
Life Without Bumrah: A Glimpse of the Future?
Bumrah is a legend — no doubt — but he’s human. He’ll get tired, injured, and have dips in form, just as we saw in the first Test.
So the big question: Can India perform without him?
The answer came in the second Test. Despite another underwhelming outing from Prasidh Krishna, the fast-bowling unit rose to the occasion. Siraj and Akash Deep stepped up and delivered brilliantly.
Akash Deep celebrated his maiden 10-wicket haul in Tests, while Siraj provided strong support with 7 wickets. Akash did it while battling personal trauma — an inspiring story of strength under pressure.
This bowling group has often been ridiculed by fanboy pages and PR narratives that suggest they’re ineffective without Bumrah. While Bumrah is irreplaceable, this Test showed the depth India possesses. With proper nurturing, Gill will have a solid attack at his disposal. And don’t forget the likes of Arshdeep and Harshit, waiting in the wings.
Jaddu the Rock, Washi Learning, and a test to Forget
The Second Test Review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Jaddu. He still has it — wielding the bat like a sword. Ravindra Jadeja was outstanding in the second Test, scoring 89 and 69 in the two innings. Those are serious numbers in modern Test cricket. It may take years to find a true replacement for Jaddu in this format.
Washington Sundar showed signs of promise and contributed with the bat, but clearly needs more game time. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy had a forgettable match, scoring just 1 run in each innings. Karun Nair too couldn’t capitalize on a promising start. These are lessons they’ll carry forward.
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued to impress, anchoring innings and taking pressure off others — crucial for a captain like Gill, who’s already carrying a heavy load.
Battle at the Mecca of Cricket Awaits
when we conclude The Second Test Review Three Lions are hurting after Birmingham. Expect a fiery response in the third Test. Bazball or not, England will challenge India’s core at every level when they meet again at Lord’s — the most iconic venue in cricket.
Will Bumrah return? Can Gill continue this incredible form? Will India manage to break England’s resistance in their own backyard?
The answers are coming. Third Test begins July 10.
