Moeen Ali on Shubman Gill: ‘You’ve Awakened the Beast in England, But I Don’t Blame the India Captain’
Sayuri YukiMoeen Ali suggested that Shubman Gill’s aggression might have ignited England’s fighting spirit, unleashing the ‘beast’ within them at Lord’s.
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Moeen Ali Defends Shubman Gill Aggression Amid Criticism
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali backed Shubman Gill’s on-field aggression during the Lord’s Test, dismissing the criticism from several quarters. The young Indian skipper faced backlash after heated exchanges with English players, which drew parallels with Virat Kohli’s past confrontations in England. Despite Shubman Gill combative approach, India failed to secure a win, amplifying the scrutiny.
Shubman Gill fiery moment came late on Day 3 when he clashed with Zak Crawley. With India having levelled England’s first-innings total, Gill wanted one more over before stumps. Crawley, however, backed away repeatedly after a blow on the glove and even called for the physio, seemingly to delay play. Frustrated, Gill lashed out, caught on the stump mic saying, “Get some b**s, grow some fking b*\s.*”
Speaking during the Global Super League, Moeen said Gill’s approach was about competitiveness, not disrespect. “It’s fine; he was just trying to fight, very similar to Virat Kohli. But what you’ve done is brought out the best in England—the fight, the beast they can be. It’s great for the series; I don’t know why he gets criticised,” Moeen remarked in an interaction on the sidelines of GPL, streaming on FanCode.
‘I don’t think they can fit Kuldeep Yadav in’: Moeen Ali
Kuldeep Yadav’s continued absence from India’s playing XI in the first three Tests has ignited debate, especially as England’s batters have shown vulnerability against wrist-spin. Many critics argue India missed an opportunity to include a genuine wicket-taking option. Instead, the management has opted for Washington Sundar in the last two Tests—a move that has partly paid off. Sundar delivered a vital knock with the bat at Edgbaston and picked up a four-wicket haul in the second innings at Lord’s.
Weighing in on the discussion, Moeen Ali admitted he would love to see Kuldeep play but acknowledged the selection dilemma. “I would like to see him in the team, but I don’t know who for. Washi has bowled well, and Jadeja has batted well. It makes it difficult to bring Kuldeep Yadav in the side. I would like to see Kuldeep in, but I don’t think they can fit him in,” Moeen said.
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