The selection of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain for both T20I and ODI squads has sparked significant debate among selectors and team management. Announced during the squad unveiling for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour on Thursday (July 18), the BCCI’s decision underscores Gill’s growing leadership role. Despite his solid performances in ODIs, Gill’s track record in T20Is has been less impressive, notably missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad recently where Yashasvi Jaiswal was chosen as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner instead. This choice has prompted scrutiny over the selectors’ rationale behind Gill’s elevated position in both formats.
It came as a surprise to many that Shubman Gill was chosen as the vice-captain for India’s white-ball teams, especially considering established contenders like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and even Rishabh Pant. Hardik Pandya, who had previously served as vice-captain in ODIs and was anticipated to continue in that role in T20Is, was overlooked for the position. Pandya had also deputized as vice-captain during the ODI World Cup last year. Meanwhile, KL Rahul had led the ODI team in a series against South Africa in December, stepping in for Rohit Sharma and Pandya in their absence.
Here’s why Shubman Gill was made the vice-captain:
Nevertheless, selectors and team management caused a stir by opting to overlook Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, instead appointing Shubman Gill as the deputy to Rohit Sharma in ODIs and Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is. The rationale behind this surprising decision has not yet been disclosed by selectors or the head coach. However, journalist Vimal Kumar, known for his insights into Indian cricket’s inner workings, has shed light on the reasoning behind Gill’s selection over other contenders.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Kumar said that the first reason is that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and coach Gambhir see Gill as an all-format player. The management believes that Gill can become the next big thing in Indian cricket if the right investment is made in him.
“The main reason for Shubman Gill being appointed as vice-captain is that Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir see him as an all-format player,” said Vimal Kumar.
“Shubman Gill has not yet justified his talent, he has done it in ODIs but he is still trying to cement his place in T20s. He performed well in Test matches in England. The selectors and the coach believe that if they invest in Shubman Gill like it was done in the case of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he can become the next big batsman,” he added.
Speaking further, Kumar said that the BCCI is in no hurry to make Gill the captain soon but wanted him to learn captaincy. That is why he was made the vice-captain. Kumar also said that, unlike Pant and Rahul, who have wicketkeeping duties, Gill does not have too many things on his plate.
“Another reason for making him vice-captain is for him to learn, as there is currently no rush to make him the captain. Shubman Gill can serve as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav for the next two years. If needed, he can even take on the captaincy.
“In the ODI team, he can also be groomed alongside Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill is not an allrounder and only has the responsibility of being a top-order batsman, unlike KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who have additional responsibilities,” said Kumar.
