Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir made a strong statement in support of Shubman Gill (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Saturday made a strong statement in support of Shubman Gill, saying he is ready to take all the criticism to protect the young captain. Gill, who was handed the Test captaincy following Rohit Sharma’s retirement ahead of the England tour, led India to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the five-match series. He later served as vice-captain of the T20I side for the Asia Cup, guiding India to victory over Pakistan in the final.Ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia starting October 19, Gill was appointed as India’s ODI captain.Speaking about Gill’s leadership, Gambhir said: “He’s a one-day captain. I want to see how he reacts when things don’t go his way—whether it’s personally or from the team’s point of view. I’ve always told him one thing: I’m always there to support him, back him, and protect him. “My job is to take all the pressure off him. I’m ready to take all the criticism for him, as long as he’s doing the right things for the team and is completely transparent and honest with the players inside the dressing room. That’s the only way to earn respect. “So far, he’s been absolutely brilliant—transparent, upfront, saying the right things, doing the right things, and working extremely hard. He’s ticked all the boxes. What more can a coach ask for from a captain who’s ticked all the boxes and is willing to put his everything on the line?,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.