There has been discussion over India’s next T20 skipper since Rohit’s retirement.
The opening Twenty20 International (T20I) match between Zimbabwe and India will be played on Saturday, July 6, with Shubman Gill leading a youthful Indian team. Gill will be leading a reserve team because vice captain Hardik Pandya was rested for the tour and India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket following the World Cup final. There has been discussion on India’s next Twenty20 international skipper since Rohit’s retirement. Since Hardik oversaw the team while Rohit was away, many people think he will likely assume the leadership position going forward.
Former Indian batsman and wicketkeeper Saba Karim expressed his opinions on the matter, saying that it is premature for the selectors to consider Gill for the position and that Hardik will probably take over.
Yes, potentially, but I believe it’s still too early for the selectors to genuinely determine who will be the captain in the future. Although there are several candidates, Karim told Sports Now that Hardik Pandya, who is now the vice captain, is more likely to assume the reins now that Rohit is leaving.
“But yes, I think the Indian selectors have always looked at Shubman Gill as an all-format player and they feel he does have the required leadership skills to take the team forward, that is why this Zimbabwe series will be quite exciting for Gill not as a batter but also as a captain,” he continued.
On the eve of the first T20I against Zimbabwe, Gill stated that Abhishek Sharma will make his series debut, confirming that the southpaw will open the innings alongside him, while Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at number three.
“Abhishek Sharma will open with me, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will play at number three,” Gill revealed at the pre-match press conference.
Gill will make his debut as India’s captain in the series against Zimbabwe. Gill believes he learned a lot during his first captaincy spell in the lucrative league.
“There are many teachings. When I became captain of my IPL team for the first time, I learned a lot about myself and about leadership. And I believe that the majority of the obstacles you confront as a captain are mental,” he said.
