The landscape of Indian cricket has undergone a seismic shift with the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket. This transition has paved the way for a new generation, with 25-year-old Shubman Gill appointed as the captain for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20th in Headingley, Leeds. This decision, while bold, has garnered the support of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who believes it's a strategic investment in the future of Indian cricket.

Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, stated, "I think it's the right move." He acknowledged that many expected Jasprit Bumrah to assume the captaincy, but considering Bumrah's recent injury history, Ponting deemed him an impractical choice. "You need a captain who's regularly available, and Gill fits that bill perfectly," Ponting emphasized. His endorsement stems from his experience working with Gill during IPL stints, where he witnessed the young batter's temperament and leadership qualities firsthand, particularly during a challenging IPL 2025 season with the Gujarat Titans. Ponting lauded Gill's ability to carry himself well and, crucially, his consistent run-scoring, a vital attribute for any captain. He firmly believes that "the timing is right, and Gill can become a great Test captain."

While backing Gill's captaincy, Ponting also offered his perspective on Gill's batting position. Throughout his 32-Test career, Gill has alternated between opening and batting at number three. Ponting suggested a move down the order, stating, "I think Sudharsan and Jaiswal will open." He believes Sai Sudharsan looks classy and that Gill might benefit from the slightly lower position of number 4, especially considering the added responsibility of captaincy. Ponting's rationale is that having slightly more experience at number three would be beneficial if Jaiswal and Sudharsan open. This could involve either KL Rahul or Karun Nair taking the number three spot, allowing Gill to settle into number four.

Ponting has also cautioned that Gill needs to work on his Test match batting and the mental aspect of it. While his white-ball form has been exceptional, Test cricket presents a different challenge, especially with the added pressure of captaincy. Ponting acknowledged that it won't be easy for Gill to manage his batting while leading the team.

Despite the challenges, Ponting is confident in Gill's potential. He sees Gill as someone who will be a mainstay in Indian cricket for the next decade and believes that the added responsibility will not faze him. He also named Gill as captain for the Sydney Test last summer when Rohit didn't play and there was an injury cloud over Bumrah. This early vote of confidence highlights Ponting's long-held belief in Gill's leadership capabilities.

With stalwarts like Kohli and Sharma stepping aside, a leadership void has opened up, and the selectors have entrusted Gill to guide the team through this transition. This will be India's first tour to England since 2011 without Kohli and Sharma in the squad. The decision signifies a clear shift towards the future, with Gill at the helm, supported by Rishabh Pant as his deputy. While some may have questioned the decision to appoint Gill over Bumrah, Ponting's insights provide a compelling argument for the long-term vision behind this move.