Shubman Gill’s commanding presence in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he led India to a 2-2 series draw against England in his very first assignment as Test captain, has not only quelled initial doubts about his leadership but also signaled the arrival of a new generation in Indian cricket.
Shubman Gill was not only tactically sharp but also led with composure and maturity that belied his age and experience. His ability to handle pressure, inspire a young squad and perform with the bat has now sparked a wider conversation about his readiness for further leadership responsibilities, particularly in the ODI format.
In light of this, former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has publicly endorsed Shubman Gill to soon take over the captaincy in One-Day Internationals, especially given the growing uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s role in the national setup.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif remarked that the transition seems inevitable. He believes Shubman Gill’s success in white-ball cricket, combined with his assured handling of the Test captaincy in England, marks him as the natural successor to Rohit in ODIs. Kaif noted that Gill has already proven his ability to lead from the front, something essential when guiding a relatively inexperienced team.
Shubman Gill’s appointment as Test captain ahead of more seasoned campaigners had raised several eyebrows at the time, with questions being asked despite strong backing from head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Many critics pointed to Gill’s modest red-ball record as a reason for skepticism. However, the young opener turned the challenge into an opportunity, using the series against England to showcase not only his personal development but also his strategic clarity and calm under pressure. For Kaif, this performance was enough to see Shubman Gill as ready to take charge in ODIs as well.
He emphasised that captaining a young side requires the individual to not only set the tone tactically but also contribute significantly with the bat, a role Shubman Gill fulfilled admirably in England. Kaif highlighted the way Gill created opportunities and answered every question surrounding his suitability as leader with confident, on-field answers.
While Rohit Sharma remains the designated captain in the 50-over format, his future in international cricket is increasingly under scrutiny. Having already stepped away from T20 Internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in Barbados in June 2024, Rohit added to the uncertainty by unexpectedly announcing his retirement from Test cricket in May, just weeks before the squad for the England tour was announced.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had clarified at the time that Rohit would continue as the ODI captain. However, in the absence of a clear succession plan and given his age and reduced workload, the conversation around his long-term role is intensifying.
Kaif’s endorsement of Shubman Gill reflects a growing sentiment that Indian cricket is gradually preparing for a generational shift and Gill, with his poise and growing stature, is emerging as the frontrunner to lead that transition.
As India begins to look ahead to its next phase, Shubman Gill’s success in England could very well prove to be the turning point that marks his evolution from a promising talent into a central figure in the team’s leadership structure.
