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Suresh Raina thinks Shubman Gill is ‘one of the best captains’ India has, and is Rohit Sharma’s heir apparent.
Shubman Gill. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Former cricketer Suresh Raina believes India ODI captain Rohit Sharma ‘clearly knows’ that Shubman Gill will be his successor in the format, which is why the 25-year-old has been given the vice-captaincy for the Champions Trophy. Raina also thinks Gill is ‘one of the best captains’ in India and ‘much like’ Virat Kohli.
Gill, who scored five ODI centuries in 2023, was chosen as the vice-captain over seniors like Jasprit Bumrah (although his availability is yet to be confirmed), Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had cited ‘dressing room feedback’ and ‘leadership qualities’ to justify the call.
“I think Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India,” Raina said in a press event organised by Star Sports. “He has done remarkably well in the one-day side. When you give such a good opportunity to a youngster, like making him the vice-captain in the ICC Champions Trophy, it speaks volumes about his potential. Rohit Sharma clearly knows who the next leader will be.”
“Shubman Gill is one of the best captains we’ve seen, especially with how he led the Gujarat team in the IPL. The way he has performed in the last 12-16 months justifies this decision. That’s why Rohit will open with him—it’s a great move by the selectors and Rohit Sharma himself. Rohit has observed how Gill leads, much like how Virat Kohli did. Gill’s on-field work ethic is exceptional. He knows the team, leads from the front, and has a strong awareness of the game. It’s a very good move by the selectors and Rohit.”
Gill was India’s best batter in 2023, which made him a sure-shot starter at the top of the order. He has reportedly had Rohit and Agarkar’s backing for the job, despite head coach Gautam Gambhir wanting Pandya to be the deputy captain.
Pandya was Gill’s successor at Gujarat Tians in the IPL and led the team to back-to-back finals, even winning the first of the two. Under Gill, the Titans seemed to have run out of luck and finished eighth, losing seven of the 14 matches.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 20 against Bangladesh.
