Former Australia captain Greg Chappell is of the view that although Shubman Gill has shown glimpses of his potential as a great batsman and a young captain, his real test begins now with India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England.

“As India prepare for the final two Tests of their series in England, the spotlight now shines firmly on their 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. A bright young talent, he has shown greatness with the bat and glimpses of leadership potential, but this moment will define his trajectory as a Test captain. It’s not an easy environment in which to grow, but it’s the one he’s in – and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Chappell wrote in his column on ESPNcricinfo.com.

Expecting Gill to set the tone for his team with his actions, Chappell said Gill must define what sort of team he wants India to be. “The captain sets the tone – not just with words, but with actions, clarity of purpose, and visible standards. That means demanding discipline in the field. India cannot afford to slip back into being a poor fielding side. The best teams are superb in the field. They don’t give easy runs. They don’t drop chances,” he wrote.

Chappell said he wanted Gill to be firm in picking the side he feels can win a match for him. “The selectors and Gill must pick and stick. He must identify the core group of players he trusts, lay out a clear game plan and communicate individual roles within it. Every player should know what is expected of them and where they fit in. Too often, in teams that struggle, players are left to work it out for themselves. That can’t be left to chance at this level,” said Chappell.

The former Australia skipper said a captain should be a good communicator and it is high time Gill adopted that quality. “Great captains are great communicators. Gill must become one – and quickly. Whether it’s at training, in the middle or in the dressing room during a break – clear, calm communication is essential. His bat can’t always do the talking. He must learn to speak in a way that aligns the group, encourages belief and creates trust,” said Chappell.

Chappell said Gill should stamp his authority as a leader and not just as a batter as India look to bounce back in the series with two matches remaining. “If Gill wants to become a great Test captain, this is his moment to stamp his authority. Not just with the bat, but with his leadership. Set the standard. Demand it of others. Pick your team. Back them. And make sure every man knows what is expected and hold them to it,” he wrote.