While Gill's intent was to contain, former players believe he missed an opportunity to attack when it mattered most.
Shubman Gill's aggressive behaviour during the Lord's Test came as a surprise to many, including former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
As England and India gear up for the final Test of the fiercely fought five-match series starting at The Oval on Thursday, a number of individuals on either side will be on the cusp of major individual milestones.
Shubman Gill dominated with the bat in England, as he amassed a huge tally of 567 runs at an average of 94.50 in the three Tests played in July.
After India captain Shubman Gill had scored another masterful century at Edgbaston, India fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj blew away England's top order.
'I want to be conventional and also blend with out-of-box thinking. Want to have nice balance...'
Hero of India's two global triumphs, 44-year-old Yuvraj had guided young Gill and India's T20 opener Abhishek Sharma during the Covid-19 lockdown when they even stayed at his Chandigarh bungalow.
Sai Sudharsan bounced back strongly with a maiden half-century during Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Manchester on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old Ramprakash, who played 52 Tests between 1991 and 2002, said instead of captaincy affecting Gill's performance, it has made him more focussed.
'You always have to put the team first rather than your personal desires'
Gill, who donned the opener's role during India's unbeaten run to the Asia Cup trophy, mustered up 127 runs in seven appearances.
Shubman Gill was "extremely proud" of the fight that his team put up after being down and out but rued the absence of one fifty partnership and Rishabh Pant's first innings run-out in their 22-run defeat against England in the third Test at the Lord's.
The team's balance puzzle once again took centre stage on Tuesday night, even as individual performances from the ongoing series highlighted why leaving either out is a tough ask.
Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 269 and their seamers struck early to put the tourists in a commanding position at Edgbaston on Thursday.
No major injury for Rishabh, he should be fine for Manchester Test: Gill
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali sees shades of Virat Kohli in Shubman Gill's aggressive on-field demeanour, but feels the India batter's approach during the Lord's Test may have triggered a stronger response from the hosts.
England bowling coach Tim Southee praised the depth and quality of the Indian Test side after a commanding performance by the visitors on Day 1
Gill scored a sensational 269 in the first innings and followed it up with 161 in the second-earning comparisons to Don Bradman from Shastri himself.
Kuldeep slips to third in ODI rankings, Maharaj regains top spot
Gill clashed with England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, accusing them of deliberately wasting time.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was "disappointed" on missing a century by a whisker, but amazed by Test captain Shubman Gill's "incredible" effort that powered India to a comfortable position at the end of the opening day of the second Test against England, at Edgbaston, on Wednesday.
England gained the upper hand after a rain-hit first day of the final Test against India at The Oval on Thursday
'I think Shubman has done a good job in putting things together and staying calm. You look at him, you always feel that he's not panicking. He is calm.'
Manjrekar acknowledged that although Gill hadn't yet made a significant mark overseas, his composure as a leader was never in doubt.
'I think the partnership between me and Washington was very important.'
Virat Kohli moved up to No. 4 in the latest ICC rankings with a match-winning hundred against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi boosting his ascend.
With the series now level and momentum on India's side, Gill will be hoping the belief, resilience and unity on display in Birmingham will carry through to the remaining three Tests.
'Folks - your Test captain, Shubman Gill.'
Images from the second T20 International between India and South Africa, at the PCA's New Chandigarh Stadium, Mullanpur.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a sparkling 143 off just 78 balls to become the fastest and youngest batter to register a hundred in Youth ODIs during India Under-19's fourth match against England on Saturday at Worcester.
The Indian selectors will be announcing the team for the three-match ODI series against the Black Caps, starting January 11 in Vadodara and there have been speculations about whether Pant can hold on to his place in the squad.
Captain Shubman Gill and the ever-dependable K L Rahul gave India a glimmer of hope with resilient half-centuries after a well crafted hundred from Ben Stokes extended England's supremacy in the fourth Test in Manchester on Saturday.
The win saw Manolo Marquez's team become the first side to defend the Super Cup title and win it for a record-extending third time.
India great Virat Kohli continued his push to regain his place as the best ODI batter while moving up to the second spot in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.
It is understood that right after India's abject surrender against South Africa in the two-Test series at home last month, someone who matters in the cricket board had once again informally approached VVS Laxman to check if he would be interested in coaching the red ball team.
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell believes Shubman Gill has displayed greatness with the bat and shown glimpses of his potential as a young captain.
K L Rahul takes over the captaincy after regular skipper Shubman Gill missed the series because of a neck injury.
'Myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we can't rely on Abhishek all the time.'
India all-rounder Axar Patel was on Monday ruled out of the remaining two T20 Internationals against South Africa due to illness with the BCCI's selection committee naming Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement.
Playing his 32nd Test, he showed no signs of nervousness and batted with his signature effortless ease.