“24 Hours Too Late”: Ravi Shastri Slams Shubman Gill After Day 3 Blunders in Fiery Rant
Cricket fans witnessed high-voltage drama both on and off the field during Day 3 of the India vs England Test at Old Trafford, as former India head coach Ravi Shastri tore into young batting star Shubman Gill for his missteps at a crucial juncture of the game. Known for his no-nonsense commentary and blunt analysis, Shastri didn’t hold back—labeling Gill’s decision-making as “a day late and a dismissal short.”
What was supposed to be a defining day for India turned into a head-scratcher, and at the center of the storm was the 24-year-old top-order batter, once hailed as the future of Indian cricket.
What Exactly Happened on Day 3?
India, trailing by a narrow margin in the second innings, had a golden opportunity to seize control. After Rohit Sharma fell early, it was up to Shubman Gill to anchor the innings and steady the ship. Instead, what followed was a series of questionable calls, tentative footwork, and a bizarre approach to spin.
In particular, Gill’s indecision against left-arm spinner Jack Leach cost him dearly. After scratching around for 26 runs off 72 balls, Gill attempted a late cut to a delivery that spun sharply—and ended up nicking it straight into the keeper’s gloves.
His dismissal not only halted India’s momentum but also triggered a middle-order collapse, swinging the game decisively in England’s favor.
Ravi Shastri’s Blistering Verdict
Speaking on live commentary just minutes after the dismissal, Ravi Shastri let loose:
“He played that shot 24 hours too late! If you wanted to be aggressive, where was the intent from ball one? And if you were trying to survive, why flirt with danger?”
The former India coach, who worked closely with Gill during his formative years in the national setup, expressed clear frustration at what he called “a lack of clarity and game awareness.”
He went on to say:
“This is Test cricket. You can’t survive here with one foot in and one foot out. You either attack with purpose or defend with conviction. What we saw from Gill today was neither.”
A Pattern or One-Off?
This isn’t the first time Shubman Gill’s temperament in Test cricket has come under the scanner. While his strokeplay is elegant and his talent undeniable, critics have questioned his tendency to lose focus in pressure situations. His Test average, hovering around 32 in 2025, doesn’t reflect the promise he showed during India’s historic win at the Gabba in 2021.
What irked Shastri and many fans this time was the lack of adaptability. On a pitch that demanded patience and calculated risk, Gill seemed caught between two mindsets—unsure whether to grind it out or accelerate.
Social Media Erupts: Fans Split on Shastri’s Critique
As expected, Shastri’s fiery take sparked a storm on social platforms:
- “Gill needs tough love. Shastri’s right—time to step up or step aside.”
- “Too harsh. Young players need support, not slams on national TV.”
- “Love that Shastri calls it as it is. Sugar-coating won’t help India win Tests.”
Even former players chimed in. VVS Laxman, speaking on a post-match panel, added:
“It’s a learning curve for Gill. But these mistakes can’t keep happening. India can’t afford it in crunch matches.”
What’s Next for Gill?
The pressure is mounting on the Punjab-born cricketer. With the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sarfaraz Khan knocking on the selectors’ doors, Gill’s place in the playing XI is far from guaranteed.
Coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma have publicly backed Gill in recent interviews, but even that support might have its limits if these inconsistent displays continue.
Ravi Shastri summed it up best:
“He’s got the class, he’s got the shots—but he has to start making them count. Talent alone won’t save you in Test cricket.”
Sink or Soar Moment for Shubman Gill
While Shubman Gill remains one of Indian cricket’s brightest stars, the margin for error is razor-thin at the highest level. With legends like Shastri now publicly expressing concern, the message is clear—it’s time to deliver, not just promise.
Whether this becomes a turning point or a troubling pattern depends entirely on how Gill responds in the next innings. The ball, quite literally, is in his court.
