Shubman Gill has officially been named the captain of the Indian Test team for the upcoming five-match series against England, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain. This marks a significant shift in Indian cricket leadership following the retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format.
While Gill’s appointment was met with optimism by some, it has also sparked debate among cricket experts. Former India openers Virender Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary weighed in on the decision, suggesting that Gill wasn’t the selectors’ first or even second choice.
Tiwary: “Gill Was Second-Best Only Because Bumrah Was Unfit”
According to Manoj Tiwary, the selectors initially preferred Jasprit Bumrah, but due to doubts about the pacer’s fitness and ability to play a full Test season, Gill emerged as the fallback.
“He was the second-best option. But how can someone who doesn’t even fit in the Playing XI be made captain?” Tiwary said on Cricbuzz, referring to Bumrah’s injury-prone career.
Sehwag: “Pant Should Have Been Second, Not Gill”
Virender Sehwag, however, argued that Rishabh Pant should have been next in line after Bumrah. He praised Pant’s influence in reviving interest in Test cricket, particularly during India’s recent overseas tours.
“What Pant did for Test cricket, no other player has done after Kohli. If he returns to full form, he should be India’s next long-term captain,” said Sehwag.
He further added that making a bowler captain is rare, citing Anil Kumble as a rare exception in his playing career.
Why Gill Was Picked
The selectors reportedly felt that Gill’s calm temperament, current form, and leadership in IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans made him a safe and future-ready choice. With India entering a transition phase, the move is seen as a long-term investment, though not without its critics.
As the team prepares for the England Test series starting June 20, all eyes will be on Gill’s leadership debut in red-ball cricket. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the critics be proven right?
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