Parthiv Patel Defends Gill: No Wrongdoing in Lord's Test Controversy

New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) — Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has strongly backed skipper Shubman Gill after the young captain’s aggressive confrontation with England openers at Lord’s. Patel declared “Gill did nothing wrong” as the incident sparked new debate over cricket’s ‘spirit of the game’, with India’s bold tactics taking center stage in the high-stakes Test series.

Controversy at Lord’s

India’s strategy at Lord’s made headlines when Gill confronted Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who took more than 90 seconds to reach the crease at a crucial juncture late on day three. With India looking to press for an extra over, Gill challenged the delay, igniting discussion between the two sides. The India captain later called the tactic “not in the spirit of the game.”

Parthiv’s Strong Defense

Patel, who coached Gill at Gujarat Titans, asserted, “We’ve seen him express himself before; this was well within limits. Shubman was right to question a deliberate delay.” Patel criticized teams using ‘spirit of the game’ selectively and insisted Gill’s actions were justified. "It’s clear the English openers were intentional — Gill only raised a valid point," said Patel.

Captaincy Questions

Patel praised Gill’s development as captain, noting, “He’s learning and asserting leadership with every match.” Under Gill, India snagged a key win at Birmingham and looked strong until narrowly losing the third Test. Patel shared: “No one is born a captain. Shubman’s clarity and confidence are growing, and that’s good for Indian cricket.”

Sai Sudharsan’s Impact

After being dropped, Sai Sudharsan returned with a composed half-century in the fourth Test. Patel remarked, “Sai made the most of his chance, and his IPL showings prove he has the mindset for all formats.” Backing young talent, Patel added, “Giving opportunities is key, and Sai’s growth is a huge positive.”

Kuldeep Debate

Calling for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, Patel noted, “India should back Kuldeep to add a fourth attacking option.” He argued, “An extra batter is fine, but the team needs wicket-takers to win tight games.”

Expert Opinion: Gill’s Edge Redefines Indian Leadership

Cricket experts believe Gill’s assertiveness—bold yet mindful of the game’s values—signals the emergence of a new Indian cricket identity. Patel’s support highlights a team moving from caution to confident, strategic aggression, a shift that may define India’s path in future Test battles.