Shubman Gill's Taunt of English Reporter at Press Conference Leaves Him Thinks Before Test at Lord's

Shubman Gill has made headlines in the recent past not only for taking India to its first historic victory at Edgbaston but also for how he gently teased an English reporter in the post-match press conference.This meeting occurred following India doing the unthinkable as they beat England at the Edgbaston cricket stadium for the first time in their Test cricket history. While addressing the press, Gill scanned the room and humorously inquired about the location of a particular journalist. He explained that he wished to see his favorite journalist who had once doubted the chances of India winning at that stadium. This tongue-in-cheek slap by Gill soon became the target of the media and fans too.

The concerned reporter was Joe Wilson who had previously questioned whether India could really get over their past woes at Edgbaston. His query seemed rational at the time given England's good record at the venue. But following India's historic victory Gill's quiet and sardonic jibe was a stark reminder of the assurance his side had when going into the game. Now with the third Test at Lord's looming on the horizon Joe Wilson has finally spoken out and had his say in response to Gill's remark in a rather considered and dignified manner.

Wilson also spoke to RevSportz and informed that he would not say the same sort of things or pose inciting questions this time. He mentioned that he has gained a feeling of respect for Shubman Gill. In his opinion Gill always answers questions with dignity and addresses with intelligence. He commended the young Indian skipper for the manner in which he conducts himself on and off the field and particularly commented on how well he carries himself in the face of media glare. Wilson even called Gill a true gentleman and stated that he would be mindful not to utter a word that could feed Gill's motivation ahead of the Lord's Test.

Aside from the light-hearted bravado, Wilson also had words on the big cricketing issue that England is currently grappling with. He conceded that it is now England's coaching staff's biggest headache trying to get rid of Shubman Gill. Gill's display has left no doubt that it has left a significant mark and Wilson picked out how things have changed so much in Indian cricket over the years. He mentioned that in past decades particularly in the 1970s and 1980s there was a period when the Indian team visited England with very low hopes. They were hardly ever favourites and successes were sporadic. But all that has changed totally in recent decades. Now India comes with faith confidence and a very tangible capability to win. Indian cricket has undergone the revolution in the way the players conduct themselves and the type of performances they are delivering.

The victory at Edgbaston was more than simply another Test match win. It was a cultural revolution and another reinforcement of India's emerging dominance in world cricket. For the English and their fans, to have to witness India rewriting the history books on home soil was a chastening experience. Joe Wilson conceded that part of the figures he mentioned earlier may have been inaccurate or could have acted as unintended encouragement for the Indian team. In fact Shubman Gill appears to be breaking records each time he steps onto the field. His growth in the sport has made him an integral member not just of the Indian squad but also of world cricket.

Shubman Gill's cheeky comment at the press meet might have been in a light vein but served to reflect his increasing confidence and leadership. As captain he has demonstrated that he not only cares about strategy and performance but has also grasped the value of mental edge and media prominence. His confidence is well-supported by strong performances and a side that now believes it can win anywhere in the world.

However Joe Wilson's reaction is mature and respectful. He may have taken Gill's snipe personally but instead appreciated Gill's class and even complimented him on how he holds India's flag in Indian cricket. He also acknowledged the greater change in cricketing power equations. India used to come to England just to put up a fight. Now they come with a winning attitude and the capability to match it. It is a different era and different times indeed.

As the cricketing fraternity turns its attention to the next Test at Lord's all eyes will be on Shubman Gill once again. His form, leadership and attitude have turned him into one of the most discussed cricketers right now. And now after the Edgbaston incident everyone is looking forward to how the soap opera goes on both on and off the field. With the bat or in front of the mic Gill appears to be dictating terms for India's new age.

The English camp is aware meanwhile that preventing Gill from playing is the foremost priority if they hope to get back into the series. They have a challenging job on their hands and it is expected to see if they are able to devise a plan that yields positive results. For the moment at least Shubman Gill has won not only the game but also the media room and proved once again how much cricket is as much a game for the head as for the body.