Former Indian cricketer Arun Lal shared admiration in relation to Shubman Gill not being an 'auto-pilot' captain. Lal felt one of Gill's most likeable characteristics as a leader was the ability to receive feedback from the rest of his teammates.

He also expressed how Gill had exceeded everyone's expectations after his showings with the bat in the first couple of Tests in the ongoing five-match series between England and India.

“I love Shubman as a cricketer, he is awesome, but I never realised he was this good. I’m sure nobody else did either. He has unbelievable talent, unbelievable calm. It’s almost as though he knows what ball is coming before it’s bowled,” stated Lal, as quoted by Indian Express.

“He’s not an autopilot captain, which I admire. He listens, takes advice from (KL) Rahul, (Ravindra) Jadeja and others. His patience and self-assurance are rubbing off on the group. He’s going to be here for a long, long time,” he added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator was impressed with the confidence the fairly inexperienced side have showcased themselves on this tour. For the unversed, the series is currently levelled 1-1, with the upcoming third Test being a crucial turn for the fate of both the sides in the series. Lal feels that the squad that has travelled to the United Kingdom has determination, beliefs, and capabilities, which has exceeded his expectations.

“I must admit that when this team was going to England, I didn’t think they had this kind of determination, this kind of belief, this kind of capability. This team has performed far better than expected, and I am so glad about that. These youngsters, once given a chance and that confidence, you better watch out. If you’re sitting out, it will be difficult to break in soon,” he said.

The ex-opening batter was in favour of Kuldeep Yadav getting incorporated into the mix instead of emphasizing on batting depth. However, with Washington Sundar being a much better contributor with as a batter, it is going to be interesting to see the combination Gill & Co. enter with in the all-important clash at the Lord's against a formidable England outfit.

“It’s a big question as far as I’m concerned. You’re playing so many batters till number nine, and I’m not in favour of that. You need [to have] impact bowlers. Kuldeep is in form, and England’s lower order can struggle against wrist spin,” Lal remarked on the unorthodox spinner.

The third Test of the series will see Indiataking on England at Lord's. Gill & Co. will be aiming at carrying forward the momentum. The Indian side will be high on confidence after the 336-run win at Edgbaston and would be confident to take the 2-1 lead.