Shubman Gill, recognised as one of the most talented and complete batters in world cricket, is garnering attention not only for his exceptional batting but also for his burgeoning leadership potential. At 24, having made his India debut five years ago, Gill has cemented his place as a crucial member of the team's batting lineup. His leadership qualities have also impressed cricket experts and former coaches.
Currently, Gill captains the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans and recently led a young Indian team to a 4-1 victory in a T20I series against Zimbabwe. This success has led to his appointment as vice-captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs.
Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has voiced his belief that Gill could one day captain the Indian team across all formats. Rathour commended Gill's leadership skills and his ability to remain composed under pressure.
"From what I have seen, whether with the Gujarat Titans or in Zimbabwe, he has done an excellent job. His body language is terrific, which is essential for a leader. With the vice-captaincy, the BCCI has given him extra responsibility, and I am confident he will excel in this role," Rathour told The Indian Express.
Rathour further elaborated on how leadership roles have positively impacted players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and he believes the same will be true for Gill.
"I feel captaincy brought the best out of Virat and Rohit, and I believe it will do the same for Shubman. Although he is not yet the captain, being in the leadership group will bring out the best in him. This role gives you an extra sense of responsibility, which is beneficial. I think it’s great for a young talent like Shubman, who might one day lead India in all three formats," Rathour added.
As Gill continues to hone his skills both as a player and a leader, his future in Indian cricket looks incredibly promising, potentially steering the team across all formats in the years to come.