Chappell draws 1972 parallel as Gill’s India signal generational shift

Former India coach Greg Chappell hailed India's young squad under Shubman Gill for proving their mettle during a transitional phase, saying they have shown they are more than capable of stepping into the shoes of their decorated predecessors.

In his column for CricInfo, Chappell drew parallels between India's extraordinary comeback victory in the fifth and final Test against England and Australia's famous 1972 Ashes draw under Ian Chappell, which heralded a generational shift in Australian cricket.

"To level the series 2-2 after being 2-1 down, against the odds, at one of England's most iconic venues (and one of India's happy hunting grounds!) was not merely a case of square scores. It was a declaration of purpose. It brought to mind, quite vividly for me, Australia's 1972 Ashes draw under Ian Chappell. The last match in that series, also played at The Oval, also to level a series, sparked a generational shift in Australian cricket that would shape the coming decade," wrote the former Australia skipper.

Chappell noted that India's situation mirrored that of Australia in 1972, marking a defining moment for a side brimming with youth. "India in 2025 finds themselves at a similar inflection point. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin are all absent. Their replacements didn't just fill gaps; they filled their boots and went on to create new ones. Shubman Gill, entrusted with the captaincy, brought a calm authority and youthful assertiveness," he said.

He further added: "The win at The Oval, like Australia's in 1972, was more than a statistical result. It was a statement. India's young team - much like Australia's back then - has shown that it is not waiting to inherit greatness. It is intent on creating its own legacy."

Chappell concluded his column with a powerful note: "The baton has been passed. Siraj, Pant, Jaiswal, Washington and Gill, and this fearless young Indian team are itching to run with it."

India's thrilling six-run win at The Oval on Monday capped an all-time classic Test series, ensuring the spoils were shared 2-2. Gill's first series as captain came amid significant challenges, with the retirements of batting greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leaving gaping holes in the lineup.

Adding to their woes, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami was ruled out due to injury, while Jasprit Bumrah was restricted to only three of the five Tests under workload management. Yet Gill's men defied the odds, claiming memorable victories at Edgbaston and The Oval to secure a remarkable draw and reassure fans that the future of Indian cricket remains bright.

Mohammed Siraj spearheaded a relentless bowling display in the series decider, sealing the nail-biting win.

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar summed up the mood, saying the quality of cricket had given him "absolute goosebumps."