The new epoch of Indian cricket under the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, seem to be pointed to Shubman Gill as a future captain in all formats. Before the forthcoming white-ball series with Sri Lanka, which is Gambhir’s first assignment as a head coach. Gill has been appointed as a vice captain of ODI and T20I teams.
According to reports, Gill will assist Rohit Sharma in the next test series against Bangladesh starting from September.
Rev Sportz says that BCCI sources have confirmed that Gill is going to take over from Jasprit Bumrah as the new vice-captain for two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. The first test is set for 19th September at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While second test match will follow on 27th September at Green Park Nagpur. This decision suggests that Gill will also be Rohit’s deputy in the home Test series against New Zealand in October and during the significant Border-Gavaskar series in Australia in December.
During media interaction ahead of team’s departure for Sri Lanka tour recently. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Gill was made vice-captain in white-ball cricket.
“Getting into T20 World Cup when Hardik got injured has been challenging. Rohit wasn’t playing but he was available to lead which was very lucky for us. We don’t want a repeat of such situation again. Shubman is a three-format player who has shown quality over the last year or so.” Added Agarkar.
Agarkar stressed the need for continuity and leadership growth within the team.
“You try and have somebody who can also learn from a couple of the senior guys that are there like Surya or Rohit. We don’t want to face these challenges of suddenly looking for a captain due to injuries or loss of form. He has demonstrated some decent leadership qualities and we want to give him more exposure. Nothing is certain but that’s the thinking at the moment.” He added.
Starting on Saturday 21st July, the white ball series versus Sri Lanka would be a litmus test for both new team management and Shubman Gill as he assumes an enhanced leadership role.
