Overview:
Panesar mentioned that Gambhir has been successful in white-ball formats because he was a top performer in one-day internationals and T20Is.
India are struggling in Test cricket and former England player Monty Panesar is against giving all-format captaincy to Shubman Gill, who has been found wanting in white-ball cricket. He was dropped from India’s T20I team for the New Zealand series and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Speaking to ANI, Panesar lauded Shubman Gill’s talent but highlighted the batter’s habit of playing lazy shots. Panesar mentioned that Gill can’t match Virat Kohli’s intensity.
“He is a complacent player. He is talented, but he plays lazy shots during the matches. Shubman Gill can’t match Virat Kohli’s aggression and intensity. He is under pressure and he can’t lead in all formats. It is too much for him,” Panesar said.
Gautam Gambhir is also under the scanner for India’s downfall in Test cricket. The sub-continent nation has lost two red-ball series at home. New Zealand thumped India by a margin of 3-0, while the Proteas won two consecutive matches.
Panesar mentioned that Gambhir has been successful in white-ball formats because he was a top performer in one-day internationals and T20Is.
Panesar urged Gambhir to coach a team in Ranji Trophy and seek inputs from coaches.
“Gautam Gambhir is enjoying success in white-ball cricket because he was successful as a player. He should become a coach in Ranji Trophy and talk to the coaches who have coached in Ranji Trophy. The Indian team is not strong in Test cricket. It is the reality and the players need time to get going. When three big players retire, it is not easy to get the other players ready,” he added.
Panesar highlighted that India are missing Virat Kohli in Test cricket. “You won’t miss Virat Kohli in white-ball cricket that much. However, the Test team is lacking intensity after Kohli’s retirement.”
Panesar also said that the Indian players are not ready for Test cricket.
“Indian players are not ready for Test Cricket. Players, who are performing well in ODIs and T20 cricket, are found wanting in Test cricket.
“The boys are not interested in Ranji Trophy as their focus is on the Indian Premier League. They want a big contract. A lot of hard work is needed in 4-day cricket. India need time to make a comeback in Test cricket.”
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