The ongoing India vs England 4th Test has sparked intense debates after young Indian batter Shubman Gill took an unwarranted DRS review early on Day 1, leading to sharp criticism from former cricketers and fans. The match, held at Kennington Oval, London, witnessed a solid start from India but Gill’s decision to review a clear LBW dismissal against James Anderson has not gone down well with experts.
What Happened?
During the morning session on Day 1, India was batting steadily at 67/1 when Anderson bowled a length ball that nipped back sharply, striking Gill on the back pad plumb in front. The on-field umpire raised his finger immediately. Despite the ball clearly hitting his pad first and no visible inside edge, Gill went for the DRS review.
As UltraEdge confirmed no bat involved and ball tracking showed three reds hitting middle stump, the review was lost instantly. This decision not only ended his innings but cost India an early review in the crucial first innings.
Former Cricketer’s Outburst
Speaking on air during commentary, former India cricketer and ex-selector Saba Karim lashed out at Gill’s poor judgement:
“Why would you review that? It was absolutely plumb. As a top-order batter, you should know when you are out. You can’t waste reviews like this, especially in Tests in England where DRS becomes crucial later.”
Karim highlighted that such calls affect team strategy as middle-order batters often require reviews in tough batting conditions later in the innings.
Why DRS Management Matters?
In Test cricket, teams have two unsuccessful reviews per innings, and strategic use is critical. Reviews taken impulsively due to ego or disbelief often prove costly, as seen in this case. Cricket analysts note:
| Impact Area | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Wasted Review | No review left for marginal calls later |
| Team Strategy | Lowers confidence of batting partners |
| Player Mindset | Reflects lack of situational awareness |
Gill’s Recent Form Analysis
| Series | Matches | Runs | Average | 50s/100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs ENG 2025 | 3 | 143 | 28.6 | 1/0 |
| IND vs SA 2024 | 2 | 85 | 21.25 | 0/0 |
| IND vs AUS 2024 | 4 | 311 | 44.42 | 1/1 |
While Gill showed promise against Australia, his performances in South Africa and England have raised questions on his technique against moving deliveries.
Fans React On Social Media
Twitter saw an outpouring of reactions criticising Gill’s decision, with hashtags like #GillDRSFail and #INDvENG trending.
- @cricketinsider: “Even school kids wouldn’t review that LBW. Poor from Gill.”
- @statsguru: “Gill reviews out of habit now. Someone remind him it costs the team.”
- @fanaticblue: “Pant or Kohli could need that review later. Selfish call by Gill today.”
England Bowlers Dominate Early Session
James Anderson, playing possibly his last home Test series, exploited overcast conditions with his precise seam bowling, dismissing both Gill and Rohit Sharma within the first hour. Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson backed him with disciplined lines, keeping India at 104/4 at lunch.
Expert Views On DRS Usage
| Expert | View |
|---|---|
| Ravi Shastri | “Batters need to take ownership of their decisions. Reviews are not for consolation.” |
| Michael Vaughan | “You cannot waste reviews in England. Bowlers will always create close calls later.” |
| Sunil Gavaskar | “Gill should have walked. That was plumb in any conditions.” |
Strategic Importance Of Reviews
In swing-friendly conditions like England, middle and lower-order batters often get out to marginal decisions. Having reviews available later could turn matches:
- Example: Kohli’s successful overturned LBW in Edgbaston 2022 changed match momentum.
- Example: Rahane’s survival after a reviewed caught-behind call in Sydney 2021 led to a match-saving partnership.
Gill’s Reaction
Post dismissal, Gill was seen shaking his head in disbelief. In the dressing room, batting coach Vikram Rathour was spotted in discussion with the young batter, possibly regarding better judgement on DRS calls in such scenarios.
Match Situation Update
At tea on Day 1, India was at 212/5, with Kohli batting on 54 and Jadeja providing steady support. England bowlers maintained tight lines, and the wasted review remained a talking point among commentators.
The Way Forward For Gill
Experts suggest Gill needs to:
- Trust his instincts better to avoid impulsive reviews
- Work on front-foot defence against late seam movement
- Learn situational awareness to ensure team-first decisions
Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s ill-advised DRS review in the 4th Test against England has reignited discussions on India’s DRS usage discipline. While Gill remains one of India’s brightest young batters with immense talent, such lapses in judgement risk harming the team’s tactical advantage in crucial sessions. As the series continues, fans will watch closely to see if the Indian team tightens its DRS approach for better match outcomes.
Disclaimer
This news content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional cricket advice or criticism. Readers are advised to enjoy the analysis as part of sports journalism insights.
