Can Shubman Gill be the Next Captain in T20I, ODI and Test?

Shubman Gill, the young and talented cricketer from India, has been making waves in the cricketing world since his debut in 2018. With his impressive performances and consistent batting displays, Gill has caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike. There is a growing belief that he has the potential to become the next big thing in Indian cricket and possibly even the next captain of the national team. In this article, we will assess whether Gill is ready to take on the leadership role in T20I, ODI and Test cricket. 

Shubman Gill's Rise to Prominence 
Shubman Gill first came into the limelight as a member of the Indian team that won the U-19 World Cup in 2018. Gill's exceptional ability to score significant runs earned him the position of Vice-Captain for the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup. Since then, his name has been echoed in the Indian cricket environment as the next big thing. His impressive performances in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have further cemented his reputation as a talented batsman with a bright future ahead. 

Praise from Rohit Sharma and other Cricketers 
Indian limited-overs captain, Rohit Sharma, has been vocal about his belief in Gill's abilities. In an Instagram LIVE session with spinner Harbhajan Singh, Sharma described Gill as a "very fluent batsman" and expressed his confidence in him becoming the future of Indian cricket. Sharma emphasized the importance of giving Gill opportunities to build his confidence through consistent runs in international cricket. 

“Sky is the limit and he is going up and up” - Sunil Gavaskar's special words of praise for Shubman Gill. The former India captain commended Gill after he scored his third century in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition during Qualifier 2.
 
“There's potential and then there's gill. Go on and lead the next generation. God bless you.” Kohli took to Instagram and share a story with the caption.

Former India player and 2007 World Cup winner, Irfan Pathan, also lauded Gill for his sensational hundred in a T20I against New Zealand. Pathan went a step further and stated that he has no doubt in his mind that Gill is the future captain of the Indian team. 

The Need for a New Test Captain 
As Rohit Sharma approaches 35 years of age, the question of who will replace him as the Test captain for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle arises. Sharma's leadership and batting performances have faced criticism, particularly after India's loss in the WTC final against Australia. Many believe that it is time for the Indian Test set-up to look beyond Sharma and groom a new captain for the future. 

Potential Candidates for Test Captaincy 

Shubman Gill 
The first and foremost name that comes to everyone's mind is bright and young talent Shubman Gill. Shubman Gill's name has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential future captain for the Indian team. Though he may not have much experience in leading a side, his performances with the bat and his maturity on the field have impressed many. Gill's recent double century against New Zealand showcased his immense talent and potential. During the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Shubman Gill showcased his exceptional batting skills by hitting three centuries and scoring the highest individual score of 129 runs off just 60 balls. This remarkable achievement included seven boundaries and ten powerful sixes, making it the highest individual score of the season. Gill's outstanding performance also led him to surpass the 890-run mark, securing the prestigious Orange Cap as the highest scorer of the season.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh  has expressed his support for Gill to be appointed as the next Test captain. Singh believes that Gill has a bright future in Indian cricket and should be given the opportunity to lead the team.

Hardik Pandya 
Pandya's captaincy has been grabbing attention, not only in the IPL but also when he leads the Indian team. Many have recommended him as the future captain for the national team in limited-overs cricket. The cricket icon also mentioned that the all-rounder motivates his teammates to play in their own style. Gavaskar also spoke about Pandya's strategy to promote himself higher in the batting order, particularly during the IPL, to provide a boost and momentum to his team. Gavaskar expressed his admiration for Pandya's leadership skills in T20 cricket, both in the IPL and for the Indian team. He confidently predicted that Pandya will succeed Rohit Sharma as the captain in limited-overs cricket after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Rishabh Pant
It's undeniable that Rishabh Pant is set to become a superstar for India across all formats in the future. Despite his relatively short international career, the wicketkeeper-batter has already made a remarkable impact and gained worldwide recognition for his achievements. Rishabh exudes a strong sense of positivity and confidence through his body language. These qualities are essential for any leader, regardless of the field they are in. Pant is known for his fearless and aggressive style of cricket. He always appears in control and never gives the impression that he is not the one making decisions on the field. Furthermore, his self-assuredness in his DRS decisions adds to his suitability for the role in the future.

Evaluating Shubman Gill's Captaincy Potential 
While Shubman Gill's talent with the bat is undeniable, his readiness for captaincy at the very young age need to be determined. Leadership skills, tactical acumen, and the ability to handle pressure are crucial attributes for a captain. While Gill has shown glimpses of these qualities, there is still a need for him to gain experience and develop his leadership abilities. Gill's calm and composed demeanor on the field, coupled with his ability to read the game and make astute decisions, bode well for his captaincy potential. However, it is essential to give him time to grow and gain more exposure to different situations and formats of the game. 

Conclusion 
Shubman Gill's talent and potential have propelled him into discussions about the future of Indian cricket and his captaincy prospects. While Gill's impressive performances and maturity on the field make him a strong contender for the captaincy, it is crucial to assess his readiness for the role. With experienced players like Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane also in the mix, the decision to appoint the next Test captain will require careful consideration. As Gill continues to grow and gain more experience, Indian cricket fans eagerly await his journey and the possibility of him leading the national team in the future. 

Additional Information:

• Shubman Gill's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have earned him a reputation as one of India's most promising young talents.
• Former India player, Gautam Gambhir, has also expressed his belief in Gill's leadership potential and sees him as a future captain of the national team.
• Gill's ability to adapt to different formats of the game has been evident in his performances in both T20Is and Test cricket.
• The decision to appoint a new Test captain will ultimately be made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) based on various factors, including the player's performance, leadership qualities, and the team's overall strategy and goals.