Former cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed confidence that Shubman Gill is poised to take over as India’s ODI captain after Rohit Sharma. According to Raina, Rohit’s decision to back Gill as vice-captain for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy signals a clear endorsement of the young batter’s leadership potential. Gill, who turned 25 this year, has impressed both with his performances on the field and his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates.
Suresh Raina shared his views during an event, describing Gill as a rising star in Indian cricket. “Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India,” he said. “His promotion to vice-captain reflects his potential. Rohit Sharma clearly knows who will take over the reins, and Gill’s record in the one-day format proves he’s ready for the challenge.”
Shubman Gill’s recent achievements solidify his credentials. With five ODI centuries in 2023, he has been India’s standout batter, securing his place at the top of the order. Despite the presence of senior players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant, the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, chose Gill for the vice-captaincy. Agarkar emphasized the importance of feedback from the dressing room and Gill’s leadership qualities in making the decision.
Suresh Raina drew parallels between Gill and past leaders, particularly Virat Kohli, praising his work ethic and tactical acumen. “Gill’s leadership for the Gujarat team in the IPL has been exceptional,” Raina noted. “His performance over the last 12-16 months has been remarkable, and his approach to the game mirrors that of Kohli. Rohit Sharma has observed how Gill leads, and this move by the selectors and Rohit is a masterstroke.”
Reports suggest that Gill’s vice-captaincy had strong support from both Rohit and Agarkar, even as head coach Gautam Gambhir was inclined toward Hardik Pandya for the role. However, Gill’s consistent performances and growing influence in the team ultimately tipped the scales in his favor, solidifying his position as a key figure in India’s ODI setup.
