"Shubman Gill Has Done as Good as Virat Kohli Could Have" – Ex-India Coach Hails Young Star After ENG vs IND 2025 Series

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that Shubman Gill performed as well as Virat Kohli in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India had a tough series, with senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli missing from the team. Still, the new Indian batting lineup stepped up and played well, dominating the English bowlers in their own home.

Bangar also pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal filled Rohit Sharma’s place and showed his talent in English conditions. With senior players stepping down from the Test format, Gill, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja performed strongly. All three scored more than 500 runs in the series.

Batting at No. 4 for the first time in his career, Shubman Gill finished as the top run-scorer in the series with 754 runs at an average of over 75, including four centuries. He also broke many records, including becoming India’s highest scorer in an innings in England with his 269 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston.

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Gill and Jaiswal filled big shoes, says Bangar

Talking about how India coped with the absence of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said on ESPN Cricinfo:

"Who were they replacing? If you look at the No. 4 spot, Shubman Gill has done as good as Virat Kohli could have done. And who has taken Rohit Sharma's place? It is Yashasvi Jaiswal, and he has also had an equally good series to show for. Because Gill and Jaiswal got the runs, the Indian team never missed the services of Rohit and Virat."

India still searching for a fast-bowling all-rounder

Bangar also said India may continue to try different lineups in Tests due to the lack of a proper fast-bowling all-rounder. "The Indian management has prioritised that over the last three to four seasons. But you want to have a fast-bowling all-rounder, and if India gets that, then the combination will settle itself. Till then, you’ll always have these question marks," he said.

India did not play spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the series. Instead, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were picked as spin-bowling options because they are also good batters.

A new side of KL Rahul

Bangar also praised KL Rahul for his solid performance in the series. He said Rahul showed a new level of focus and helped Shubman Gill during difficult moments.

"He certainly looked the part and added to whatever he has done as a batsman by playing a lot of balls and being very consistent. His slip catching was good, and he supported Gill well. You could also see a new side of KL Rahul—he was more involved, talking to opponents and umpires at times," Bangar said.