The Indian cricket fraternity is buzzing with the news of Shubman Gill's appointment as the Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. While many see this as a promising step towards the future, opinions are divided on whether the young batter is ready for the enormous responsibility. Recent reports indicate that the decision to appoint Gill was influenced by the desire to groom a long-term leader, especially with the recent retirements of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Gill, at just 25 years old, becomes one of the youngest Test captains in Indian cricket history. He has been a consistent performer in the team, amassing 1893 runs in 32 Test matches, including five centuries and seven half-centuries. In addition to his batting prowess, Gill has also demonstrated leadership skills as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading them to the playoffs. However, Test cricket presents a different challenge altogether, requiring strategic acumen, man-management skills, and the ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations.
Former India player Manoj Tiwary believes that Gill was the second-best option for the selectors, and the decision was mainly taken due to the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. “He was the second-best option,” Tiwary said. “What Pant did for Test cricket, no other player has done. After Virat Kohli, if there is one player who has compelled fans into watching Test cricket, it’s Pant."
Legendary India batter Virender Sehwag, who was also on the panel, agreed with the selectors that Bumrah should not be given the responsibility amid uncertainty over his availability for all Test matches for India. However, he disagreed with Tiwary, saying it Rishabh Pant was the second-best option and not Gill. “For a series, Bumrah is okay. But as a long-term option, you need to ask if India play 10 Tests in a year, will he be able to play all those matches? Or, how many matches can he play?"
Despite his relative inexperience in red-ball captaincy, having led in just five first-class matches, Gill has earned praise for his calm approach and maturity. Gujarat Titans assistant coach Ashish Kapoor, who has observed Gill since his Under-16 days, believes he is a "thinking cricketer" with the ability to think not just for himself but for the entire team.
However, some experts believe that Gill's age and lack of experience might be a disadvantage. They argue that captaining in Test cricket requires a different level of maturity and strategic thinking, which comes with time and experience. Some feel that he needs more time to develop his leadership skills before being thrust into the captaincy role.
The decision to appoint Gill also comes at a time when the Indian Test team is undergoing a transition. With the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the team is without some of its most experienced players. Gill will have the responsibility of leading a relatively young and inexperienced team, which will undoubtedly be a challenging task.
Ultimately, whether Shubman Gill succeeds as Test captain remains to be seen. He undoubtedly possesses the talent and potential to be a successful leader, but he will need time, support, and guidance to grow into the role. His first major assignment will be the upcoming five-Test series against England, a challenging tour that will test his leadership skills and strategic acumen. The series will be a crucial test for Gill, and his performance will likely determine the future direction of the Indian Test team.
