Shubman Gill was named the vice-captain by chief selector Ajit Agarkar as he named India's Champions Trophy squad on Satuirday. The move surprised many, but they saw the rationale behind the decision.
Shubman Gill despite his lean run in the recent Test series against Australia, was promoted in a way as the vice-captain of the side. The squad will be led by Rohit Sharma in the Champions Trophy.
Gill served as India's vice-captain in the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka last year, and retained the position in the squad for three ODIs against England and the ICC Champions Trophy, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar saying that he showed ample qualities to be in that leadership role.
"Absolutely. I think Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India. He's 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" said Ajit Agarkar.
Shubman Gill Chosen Over Hardik Pandya As Vice-Captain
Now former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has also shared his reaction on this move. Talking to Star Sports, he said that the move was inspired by Rohit Shara who saw a potential leader in Gill while taking this decision. Gill was chosen as the vice-captain ahead of Hardik Pandya who was Rohit's deputy in the T20 World Cup last year.
"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" said Raina on the Star Sports press room show.
"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" he further added.
Gill has been in terrific form in ODI cricket since 2023. He scored 1584 runs in ODIs in 2023 at an average of 63.36 with nine fifties and five hundreds to his name. Now having been appointed as the vice-captain, he is likely to open the batting in the Champions Trophy with Rohit Sharma.
