Is Shubman Gill The Next All-Format Captain Of Team India? Read What Ajit Agarkar Has To Say

The squad announcement for India’s Tour of Sri Lanka came as a shocker for the fraternity, for one too many reasons. The T20I setup was expected to display major transformations, given the retirement of captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, the squad announced for the Sri Lanka tour showcases notable changes across formats. One such change is the appointment of Shubman Gill as the white-ball vice-captain of India. The 24-year-old batter will assist Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. Gill left behind the likes of Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant to clinch the important position. Prior to the latest decision, KL Rahul shouldered the vice-captaincy of Men in Blue in ODIs. Meanwhile, the World Cup-winning all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, held the title in the shortest format.

Shubman Gill Appointed As The Vice-Captain Of Team India

Upon the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya came out as the obvious name for India’s next T20 captain. However, surprise took over the entire community when the announcement for Suryakumar Yadav as the captain came out. To amplify the transition further, Pandya’s place as the vice-captain was snubbed as Gill stepped into the role. The change signifies the selectors’ plan to bring on a new phase in Indian cricket. The fans were waiting for clarity on the steps, which finally arrived on Monday.

India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed a press conference ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The duo answered many looming queries about the new Indian setup. Regarding the promotion of Gill as the vice-captain, Agarkar cited a strategic move. The former cricketer noted that Gill has shown up as an all-format player for India. The young batter has recorded many records up to his name in a considerably short time.Moreover, the 24-year-old has already stepped into the leading position for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. 

Is Shubman Gill The Next All-Format Captain Of Team India?

Amidst constant injury scares for Pandya and uncertainty over KL Rahul’s place in T20s, India is overlooking a future with Gill as the leader across formats. Crediting Gill as a strong contender for the captaincy role in the future, Agarkar noted that the vice-captain position will let Gill learn from Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma.

“We feel Shubman is a strong candidate. He plays across all formats and has shown good qualities over the last year, based on feedback from the dressing room. We want him to learn from senior players like Surya or Rohit. This way, we won’t be scrambling for a captain if there are injuries or a loss of form. Shubman has shown decent leadership qualities, and we want to give him the experience to develop further. There are no guarantees, but that’s the current plan,” Agarkar said.

Gill recently led a young Indian side to a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe. The current scenario projects a solid and unwavering presence of Shubman Gill in the Indian side across formats. The young and dynamic batter has shown the needed temperament with a level-headed approach to hitting and classically timed shots. The Sri Lanka tour will bring more clarity as to how the newly formed Indian team will fare on the field.