Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal possess the potential to propel the Indian Test team forward, similar to how Virat Kohli single-handedly led the team in his prime.
Vaughan's assessment comes at a time when the Indian batting lineup is transitioning following the (hypothetical) retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While acknowledging that India will always have abundant talent, Vaughan emphasizes that replacing the aura and competitive energy of a player like Kohli is not an easy task. Kohli brought a unique intensity and tactical acumen to the team, qualities that Gill will need to develop as captain.
Shubman Gill has made an impressive start to his Test captaincy, and Vaughan is optimistic about his leadership abilities. Gill's recent innings of 269 in the Edgbaston Test has further solidified his position and silenced critics. Vaughan had previously questioned Gill's Test average but now acknowledges his quality and predicts a significant rise in his average by the end of the series. Gill's adaptability and technical discipline have also drawn praise from Vaughan. Jaiswal has also backed Gill's captaincy and selection decisions, highlighting Gill's clarity and batting prowess.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his aggressive approach and hunger for runs, is seen as a key player for India's future. Since his Test debut, Jaiswal has been a prolific scorer, demonstrating an aptitude to adapt and dominate new terrains. However, questions remain about his consistency outside of India, and the upcoming matches will be a test of his ability to maintain his success in different conditions.
Rishabh Pant, known for his firecracker batting style, has the ability to change the game in a short amount of time. While Pant's career has been marked by both brilliant centuries and inconsistent performances, his match-winning flair and ability to rescue India in critical moments make him a valuable asset. However, Vaughan was surprised by Pant's tentative approach in the second Test against England, noting that it was unlike him to be so cautious in favorable batting conditions.
Vaughan believes that these players have a great chance of leaving a lasting legacy, similar to what Virat Kohli brought to the Indian Test team. If they can replicate even a fraction of Kohli's energy and success, they will have done a decent job.
While praising the talent of Gill, Jaiswal, and Pant, Vaughan also humorously pointed out India's fielding lapses during the first Test against England. He jokingly offered his services as a fielding coach, highlighting the need for improvement in that area.