Shubman Gill may take over as T20I captain from Suryakumar Yadav, hinted by a message from BCCI akin to Virat Kohli's, prior to the Asia Cup 2025.
In a strategic move aimed at shaping the future of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India's T20I vice-captain. This decision comes after Gill's stellar recent performance and leadership potential, demonstrated during his tenure as Test captain against England.
Gill's record-breaking 754 runs at an average of 75 in the recent England Test series, where he also captained the side impressively, has caught the attention of the BCCI and key figures like head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. They view Gill as a long-term leadership prospect to groom for leading the T20I team in the future.
The appointment was the result of thorough deliberations, with other candidates such as Axar Patel also considered. However, Gill’s consistent form, leadership qualities, and status as incumbent Test captain influenced the decision. Top cricketing figures including Sunil Gavaskar have supported this move, noting it shows confidence in Gill’s all-format leadership potential.
This move could have significant implications for India's cricket leadership. It creates a leadership pipeline with a young, in-form player gaining experience in vice-captaincy, facilitating a smooth transition when current leaders retire or step down. Gill’s leadership in Tests, combined with this T20 vice-captaincy, positions him as a strong candidate for all-format captaincy in the near future, enhancing leadership continuity.
Moreover, this strategy may also influence team dynamics by introducing fresh leadership perspectives and nurturing a multi-format captaincy option. The change in leadership role aims to unify leadership across different game types and create consistency.
It's important to note that the BCCI's captaincy strategy for 2025 remains unclear, with potential changes in leadership roles for different formats. Rohit Sharma, the ODI captain, is being discussed as a potential replacement before the 2027 World Cup. Devang Gandhi, a former BCCI selector, believes that split captaincy isn't effective in the long run for India.
Shubman Gill's inaugural tour as India's Test captain was marked by several highlights, including a double ton in Birmingham. If appointed, he would replace Axar Patel as T20I vice-captain. The ICC Player of the Month award, which Gill received for his performances during his first Test series as captain, added another feather to his cap.
Gill expressed that receiving the ICC Player of the Month award was a great honor. He accumulated 567 runs with an average of 94.50 over three Tests in July 2025. The change in leadership role is a deliberate decision to develop him as a future leader for India’s T20 team and beyond, building on his recent outstanding form and leadership in Tests, which could strengthen and modernize Indian cricket’s leadership structure.
References:
- ESPNcricinfo
- Cricket Country
- Hindustan Times
- India Today
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