# Matthew Hayden backs Shubman Gill to lead India in Tests

2026-08-12T22:53:58+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has backed India's Test captain Shubman Gill to handle the challenges in the longer format, calling him 'a wonderful young man and a good leader'. India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings, with four wins and four losses in nine matches. Hayden said the team has 'a job to do' ahead of the WTC final in June next year. Hayden, who served as batting coach of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 under Gill's captaincy, noted that India's winning percentage in the current WTC cycle is below 50%. The former batter stressed India's role in sustaining Test cricket given the country's dominance in white-ball formats through the IPL. India's next major challenge is a two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Galle.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/hayden-backs-gill-to-rise-to-test-challenge-says-india-has-job-to-do-ahead-of-wtc-final/article71338326.ece>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/moment-of-reckoning-for-gill-the-skipper-and-the-batter/article71338264.ece>

Tags: Indian cricket, Matthew Hayden, Shubman Gill, Test cricket, World Test Championship, WTC final
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