BCCI Replaced Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill in 2023 Decision Not Made Overnight

With Shubman Gill promoted to India’s T20I vice-captain, it’s only a matter of time before he takes over as the captain across all formats. Already leading India’s Test and ODI teams, Gill is set to replace Suryakumar Yadav after next year’s T20 World Cup. This move would help the BCCI achieve its goal of having a single captain for all formats. Indian cricket has traditionally preferred one leader rather than split captaincy, unlike teams such as England and Australia. When Rohit Sharma replaced Virat Kohli as captain, his age in the 30s indicated his tenure wouldn’t be a short one. However, with Gill still in his 20s, Indian cricket has found its best option. Gill proved his leadership skills in his first series as Test captain, drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.

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Did you know that the decision to promote Shubman Gill as India’s future captain wasn’t made overnight? Former BCCI selector Salil Ankola revealed that the board had considered Gill as a candidate to replace Rohit when the time came in 2023. That year, Gill truly came into his own, scoring centuries and double centuries with ease, and despite missing two World Cup matches due to dengue, he amassed over 350 runs in nine innings. The BCCI recognized that Gill, after his development, would eventually take over from Rohit. Ankola shared on Vicky Lalwani’s YouTube channel, “We always believed Gill would become the captain. We considered him for the role as early as 2023, confident he would take charge. Selectors take input not just from the coach and captain, but from senior players as well, and they also felt he was the right choice, including those who had retired.”

Shubman Gill Shines as Test Captain Set to Lead India

When Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, there was no doubt about who would take over as the next captain. Shubman Gill, appointed as the new Test captain, led from the front, scoring 756 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries in a memorable series in the UK. India’s collapse in the home Test series against South Africa without him further highlighted Gill’s importance, both as a batsman and a leader. Ankola explained, “It was a collective decision. Everyone felt it, and he proved it in England. Scoring 750 runs under such pressure in England shows his mental strength. People will always have opinions, and no matter how much good you do, they’ll find something to criticize. Humans are inherently unsatisfied; they think they know everything.”

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