Australian legend Greg Chappell felt Shubman Gill’s leadership was way off the mark during the third Test against England at Lord’s as he advised the newly-appointed Test skipper to become better at communicating with his teammates.

While Chappell acknowledged that Gill has shown potential as a leader so far in the ongoing series, he believes the real Test will begin in the penultimate Test at Old Trafford.

India are facing a must-win situation in Manchester, with the five-match Test series currently 2-1 in favour of England.

“As India prepare for the final two Tests of their series in England, the spotlight now shines firmly on their 25-year-old captain Shubman Gill. A bright young talent, he has shown greatness with the bat and glimpses of leadership potential, but this moment will define his trajectory as a Test captain,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

“It’s not an easy environment in which to grow, but it’s the one he’s in - and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” he added.

According to Chappell, Gill will have to do more than just let his bat talk in the remaining two Test matches against England.

“His bat can’t always do the talking. He must learn to speak in a way that aligns the group, encourages belief, and creates trust.

“He also needs to enunciate the right approach. Batters must be told to play positively and bat in partnerships. If a batter gets a start, it is critical to go on and get a big score. Collapses come when players who are set decide that they don’t want to keep working that hard,” the 76-year-old continued in his column.

Greg Chappell believes the business end of the tour is the right moment for Gill to stamp his authority as a leader.

“If Gill wants to become a great Test captain, this is his moment to stamp his authority. Not just with the bat, but with his leadership. Set the standard. Demand it of others. Pick your team. Back them. And make sure every man knows what is expected and hold them to it,” he wrote.

“Because in the end, cricket isn’t about heroes. It’s about partnerships. It’s about teams. And it’s about captains who bring the best out of those around them.

“If Gill can lead with clarity of thought and strength of purpose, he won’t just shape this series, he’ll shape the future of Indian cricket,” Chappell added.

The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is slated to get underway on July 23 in Manchester.