“We cannot just complain and criticise players”: Shubman Gill gets support from Mohammad Azharuddin after first Test defeat

Mohammad Azharuddin has come out in support of India’s new Test captain, Shubman Gill, who lost the first game against England. The critics have started taking a dig at the 25-year-old, with many calling him a defensive skipper. Gill was given the captain’s armband after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Although India scored five hundreds in the series opener in Leeds, England secured a five-wicket win.

Azhar said that it is too early to talk about Gill’s captaincy, and he should be given a fair chance to prove himself.

“He captained India for the first time in Test and it is not right to start talking about his leadership. It is too early to pass comments,” Azharuddin said.

“We should give him a fair chance, as he has just taken over. You should give him time and support. We cannot complain and criticise players like that,” he added.

Azharuddin urged the team management to be smart in the second Test and pick the right combinations. “The batting collapse cost us the game. We have to pick the right players, and the bowling has to be perfect,” he mentioned.

Azhar highlighted the team’s dependence on Jasprit Bumrah. He picked up five wickets in the first innings but went wicketless in the second.

Former player wants the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. “They are dependent on Jasprit Bumrah. It is not easy, and you need more experienced bowlers in the playing group. Kuldeep Yadav should play,” he concluded. The second Test will start on July 2.

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