Shubman Gill's captaincy and a perceived reluctance to declare in the second Test against England in Birmingham have stirred debate, with some observers suggesting India is playing into England's hands, specifically their aggressive "Bazball" approach under Ben Stokes.

India's strong position in the match has been somewhat overshadowed by questions surrounding Gill's strategy. Despite accumulating a substantial lead, the timing of the declaration has been scrutinized, with some suggesting it was delayed due to a fear of England's batting prowess, especially with Stokes at the helm. This has fueled discussions about whether India is consciously or unconsciously tailoring its tactics to counter "Bazball," potentially playing on England's ego and confidence in chasing down large totals.

The decision to bat first in the second Test, after England won the toss and elected to bowl, also raised eyebrows. Some believe that England's captain, Ben Stokes, aimed to capitalize on conditions favorable for bowling, adding another layer to the tactical battle between the two sides.

Gill's individual performance has been a subject of much discussion. He achieved his highest first-class score with a "masterful" 269, which is also the highest score by an Indian batter in England. This feat came after facing pressure following a defeat in the first Test at Headingley. However, Gill also faced a scary moment when he was struck on the head while fielding, causing concern, though he was able to resume playing after treatment.

Adding to the intrigue, India's team selection for the second Test included resting star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, a move that drew confusion and placed further demands on Gill. The decision to include more all-rounders than specialists was seen by some as a gamble that Stokes looked to exploit.

Former players and commentators have weighed in on the situation. Some have criticized Ravindra Jadeja for costing India precious time. There have also been questions raised about umpiring decisions.

Despite the criticisms, there's also been support for Gill's captaincy. He has become the fifth Indian captain to achieve a major milestone, joining the ranks of Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. He also surpassed MS Dhoni in an elite list after scoring his 16th international century in the second Test.

Overall, the Test match has been filled with drama and strategic questions, with Gill's captaincy, the declaration timing, and the "Bazball" factor all contributing to the narrative. Whether India's approach will ultimately lead to victory remains to be seen, but the series has certainly captured the attention of cricket fans and experts alike.