Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Jul 23: Batting legend Ricky Ponting has come out in support of Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s on-field aggression during the recently concluded Lord’s Test, calling it “out of character” but a moment of leadership from a captain standing up for his team.

The high-voltage incident took place on day 3 of the Test, when India, having equalled England’s first innings total of 387, attempted to bowl two quick overs before stumps. However, delays from England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett led to a fiery exchange with Gill, who was seen animatedly confronting the pair.

Speaking on The ICC Review, former Australia captain Ponting said, “That was a little out of character from what I’ve known from Shubman in the past. But that’s the captain showing it’s his team now — that’s the fire of leadership.”

India lost the match by 22 runs and trail 1-2 in the five-match series. The fifth and final Test begins Wednesday.

Ponting likened Gill’s behaviour to former India skipper Virat Kohli. “He’s putting his stamp on the side. It’s a style similar to Virat — expressive, passionate. Rohit was more restrained outwardly, but Shubman showed great intent.”

Drawing from his own experience of playing in England, Ponting added, “It’s a tough place — the crowd, the media. There’s pressure every day. Gill is learning what it means to lead in these conditions.”

Despite the loss, Ponting believes the moment marked a turning point in Gill’s captaincy journey, showing he is ready to lead with both courage and conviction.