BCCI Planned Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma’s Successor Back in 2023

With Shubman Gill recently promoted as India’s T20I vice-captain, it appears only a matter of time before he assumes leadership across all formats. Already at the helm of India’s Test and ODI teams, Gill is expected to succeed Suryakumar Yadav after next year’s T20 World Cup, fulfilling the BCCI’s long-term goal of having a single captain for the national side.

Historically, Indian cricket has favoured a single leader rather than split captaincy, a model followed by nations like England and Australia. When Rohit Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli, his age in the 30s meant he would lead for a defined period. In contrast, Gill, still in his 20s, offers India a long-term captaincy prospect, bolstered by his strong start as Test skipper—drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2 in the UK.

The rise of Gill was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Former BCCI selector Salil Ankola revealed that the board had earmarked Gill as a future captain as early as 2023. That year saw Gill consolidate his credentials, scoring centuries and double hundreds with ease. Even missing two World Cup matches due to dengue, he amassed over 350 runs in nine innings, signaling to the BCCI that he could eventually take over from Rohit.

“We always thought Gill would become the captain. We had considered him for the role as early as 2023, believing he would take the reins. Selectors take suggestions not only from the coach and captain but also from other senior players. Even former players felt he was the right choice,” Ankola said on Vicky Lalwani’s YouTube channel.

When Rohit retired from Test cricket, Gill’s elevation to the captaincy was almost a foregone conclusion. Leading from the front, he scored 756 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries, in a memorable UK series. India’s struggles in the home Test series against South Africa without him underscored his importance to the team, both as a batsman and a leader.

Ankola added, “It was a collective decision. Everyone felt he proved himself in England. Scoring 750 runs under such pressure demonstrates his mental strength. Some may always question choices, but Gill has shown he is ready for the responsibility.”

With Gill now firmly in line to unify India’s leadership across formats, the BCCI appears to have secured a long-term captain for the next era of Indian cricket.