Gill standing up as leader: Ponting backs Indian Captain’s aggression at Lord’s

Tempers have flared between India and England throughout the five-Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, only adding to the ongoing drama. With matches going down to the wire, excitement is at its peak.

The third Test at Lord’s saw plenty of on-field tension, including an animated exchange between India skipper Shubman Gill and England’s openers towards the end of Day 3.

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India had managed to match England’s first-innings total of 387 and aimed to bowl two overs in the remaining six minutes of play. However, this plan was thwarted as the English openers took their time getting ready, prompting a heated discussion between Gill and Zak Crawley, followed by Ben Duckett.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting sympathised with Gill’s aggressive stance at Lord’s, though he admitted to being surprised by the behaviour.

“That was a little out of character from what I’ve known of Shubman in the past. I’m sure everyone watching would agree—that’s not typically how he is,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

However, the World Cup-winning skipper acknowledged that Gill was taking a stand for his team in that moment.

“That’s the captain standing up for his team. That’s a captain really wanting to show that it’s his team now, that this is how we’re going to play the game—and also, I guess, wanting to give a little bit back,” he added.

Ponting, who toured England for Tests across four different series—twice as captain in 2005 and 2009—remarked that the pressure of a high-profile series in the UK can weigh heavily on a leader.

“The UK can be a tough place to play. The crowds, as much as they love the game, can be as hostile as anywhere in the world. And when you’re in a big series—an Ashes or an England-India contest—the media always feel like they’re right on your back,” Ponting said.

He also pointed out that in such a high-stakes match—which India eventually lost by just 22 runs—Gill was asserting his presence in a way reminiscent of former skipper Virat Kohli.

“I think that’s him starting to put his stamp on the team. A lot like Virat (Kohli) did, in similar ways. Rohit (Sharma) was probably never as outwardly aggressive, especially towards opposition players.

“I know Rohit would often be assertive with his own teammates to bring out the best in them. But I loved watching Shubman stand up for what he thought was right in the game last week,” Ponting concluded.