(Source X)
Young Indian opener Shubman Gill recently discussed his new role as vice-captain for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Despite the promotion, Gill emphasized that his batting approach remains unchanged.
The Indian team is set to compete in three T20 internationals against Sri Lanka in Pallekele from July 27 to July 30. While Suryakumar Yadav will take charge as captain for these matches, Gill will serve as vice-captain. It’s worth noting that Gill was left out of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
In the IPL 2024 season, Gill captained the Gujarat Titans, facing a series of challenges including injuries, a faltering batting lineup, and selection dilemmas. Despite his leadership, the team did not advance to the playoffs, partly due to Gill’s underwhelming individual performance during the tournament.
In a media interaction on Thursday, July 25, ahead of the T20 series against Sri Lanka, Shubman Gill emphasized that his main priority continues to be delivering strong performances and securing victories for the Indian cricket team. He acknowledged that the key change with his new role is the added responsibility of making strategic decisions on the field.
“(On vice-captaincy) As a batsman it doesn’t change much. When I’m batting out there, I still need to perform, and I need to win matches for the team, that doesn’t change. But when you are out on the field, you have to make a bit more decisions than you do when you are playing as a player. I think that’s the major difference,” Gill said.
Shubman Gill recently showcased his skills during the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe earlier this month, where he captained a young Indian squad in the absence of regular players. Despite an initial loss, Gill led his team to a 4-1 series victory and emerged as the top scorer with 170 runs across five innings.
Following his impressive performance, the selection committee, under Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir, placed their trust in Gill by appointing him vice-captain for both limited-overs formats. This move is part of the team management’s plan to develop him as a future leader for the Indian cricket team.
At 24, Gill has played 19 T20I matches for India, accumulating 505 runs at an average of 29.70 and a strike rate of 139.50, including one century and three fifties. Prior to the Zimbabwe series, he had struggled with scores of 9, 0, 8, and 23.
Gautam Gambhir will start his role as India’s head coach with the Sri Lanka series, supported by new assistants Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. After the T20I series, India will face Sri Lanka in three ODIs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from August 2 to August 7.
