'We always knew he'd take the reins': Ex-BCCI selector reveals Shubman Gill was earmarked as India captain since 2023

Shubman Gill's recent appointment as T20I vice-captain signals a clear path towards him becoming India's sole captain across all formats. Former selector Salil Ankola revealed Gill's leadership potential was recognised as early as 2023, with consensus among selectors and senior players. Gill's exceptional batting and Test captaincy in England solidified confidence in his readiness to lead.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Shubman Gill (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: With Shubman Gill's promotion as India's T20I vice-captain, the transition towards a single all-format leadership now appears inevitable. Gill already leads India in Tests and ODIs, and is widely expected to replace Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain after next year's World Cup. In doing so, the BCCI would return to its traditional preference for one captain across formats.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For former BCCI selector Salil Ankola, the move has been years in the making. He revealed that Gill's leadership future was identified as early as 2023, the year the young opener stamped his authority on international cricket.
Inside a champion’s mind | ft. Shafali, Deepti and Saiyami | TOI’s Ideas for India
“We always thought Gill would become the captain. We had considered him for the role as early as 2023, believing he would take the reins into his hands,” Ankola said on Vicky Lalwani's YouTube channel. He explained the selector's consensus reached beyond just the coach and captain. “Selectors do take suggestions — not only from the coach and captain but also from other senior players. They also felt he was the right guy, even those who retired earlier. ”
Poll
What do you think about the trend of having one captain across all formats?
It's a great idea for consistency. It's not necessary; different formats need different leaders. It depends on the player's experience.
Gill's batting boom in 2023 made the choice straightforward. He racked up centuries and double tons across formats and, despite missing two matches at the ODI World Cup due to dengue, scored over 350 runs in nine innings. That made the selectors confident he would seamlessly take over when Rohit Sharma stepped down, a belief reinforced when Gill excelled as Test captain in England. Ankola said the performance validated the decision: “Everyone felt it, and he proved it in England. What a series he had! Under such pressure, if he scores 750 runs in England, that shows his mental capacity.” He also warned against knee-jerk opinions. “People will say someone else should have been captain, or bring someone back. Humans are very unsatisfied souls. Whatever good you do, they will find something bad in it. ”
End of Article