ENG vs IND 2025: ‘He does not need Jasprit Bumrah’ – Monty Panesar’s bold take on Shubman Gill’s captaincy | CricTracker

“Shubman Gill rose to the challenge. And I think we’re going to hopefully see the best of him in the next couple of years. The biggest factor, as for Shubman here, is that he can win Test matches without Jasprit Bumrah. That’s a massive acclaim. The best bowler in the world. He doesn’t need him. I think India can win Test matches without Jasprit Bumrah,” stated Panesar, as quoted by Hindustan Times. 

Panesar emphasised Siraj to be the main asset for Gill in Tests going forward.

“I think that’s the biggest achievement from his captaincy. It just shows that Mohammed Siraj is the key now. They’ve got to build an attack around him. And his fitness is very important. Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t have the fitness to play the five Test matches. So, he’s again, in and out, kind of the guy to come in. But Mohammed Siraj can win the games now,” added Panesar.

His career test will probably come, how he does in India: Panesar

The former left-arm spinner feels that Gill’s assessment as Test captain will ultimately boil down to how he assembles India’s spin-bowling attack in home Tests.

“He’ll (Gill) grow into the role. I think his career Test will probably come (down to), how he does in India, really. And, more than turning pitches, you know, does he have the spinners to do that without Ashwin and Jadeja? Washington Sundar will be there, and it will be about whether he can live up to the expectations of Ashwin. I think Kuldeep Yadav has to play. He has to bring him into the equation somehow,” remarked Panesar.

Gill’s batting exhibition and leadership on the field helped India claim a prestigious 2-2 draw to help them retain the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The 25-year-old ended the series as the leading run-getter with 754 runs in 10 innings.