As the Indian Test Cricket witnessed its two great players leave the format, shaking, dimming, and narrowing down the hopes of every Indian cricket fan. In the ever-changing world of Indian cricket, finding the right leader is always a priority. One of the young players making a name for himself is Shubman Gill. He’s not only impressive with his batting skills but also shows a calmness and understanding of the game that’s rare for someone his age. As India works on shaping a strong future team, it makes sense to consider Gill for a leadership position. This blog will furnish you with information about Shubman Gill’s Test career, century, or captaincy, for that matter. Here are five solid reasons why he would be a great choice for the next captain of the Indian cricket team.

Who is Shubman Gill? A Glance at His Cricketing Journey

Shubman Gill is a rising star in Indian cricket, admired for his graceful batting, sharp thinking, and calm personality both on and off the field. He was born on September 8, 1999, in Fazilka, Punjab, and his love for cricket was sparked early on by his father. Gill quickly moved up through the ranks in domestic cricket and gained attention during the 2018 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, where he served as vice-captain and was the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer.

When he stepped into international cricket, he made a smooth transition, debuting in Test matches against Australia in 2020. During that series, he played a crucial role in India’s unforgettable victory at the Gabba, showcasing remarkable composure when it mattered most.

Since then, he has represented India across all formats and has earned accolades for his consistency and impressive technique, which is impressive for someone so young. Among his key achievements, he became the youngest Indian to score a double century in One Day Internationals and holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in men’s T20 internationals.

In addition to his international accomplishments, Gill has made waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while leading the Gujarat Titans (GT). His combination of natural ability, a drive to succeed, and a calm head on his shoulders suggests that his journey is just beginning, and he has a very bright future ahead in cricket.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Biography: Age, Height, Family, Career, Stats, IPL – All Details

Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Record: How He’s Led in Domestic and IPL Matches

Shubman Gill | KreedOn — (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

Shubman Gill is still early in his career, but he’s already showing some great signs of being a leader in cricket. He first stepped into a leadership role in domestic cricket when he became the youngest player to captain a team in the Deodhar Trophy at just 20 years old. Leading India C in the 2019 tournament, he really impressed everyone with his calm demeanor and smart decision-making, giving us a sneak peek of his leadership potential.

Recently, he took on an even bigger challenge when he was named captain of the GT for the IPL 2024 season, stepping into the role after Hardik Pandya moved back to the Mumbai Indians. Leading a young team that had already found success was no small feat, but Gill handled it with confidence. He not only focused on maintaining team spirit but also consistently scored runs, showcasing his ability to lead by example.

In the IPL 2025 season, Shubman Gill has stepped up as a strong leader for the GT. After gaining valuable experience last year, he’s shown impressive improvement in his leadership skills and batting. Thanks to his contributions, the Titans are doing well in the league.

A calm approach, strategic thinking, and a strong focus on his teammates characterized Gill’s style of captaincy. He’s known for supporting his players, making bold decisions during games, and staying cool when things get tough. While he’s still gaining experience, it’s clear he has the makings of a natural leader who could one day captain India.

Shubman Gill’s Test Career Highlights and Consistency as an Opener

shubman gill test career — Image: CNBC TV18

Batting & Fielding

Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s	Ct	St
Tests	32	59	5	1893	128	35.05	3159	59.92	5	7	210	31	25	0

Shubman Gill has impressed everyone in Test cricket. His calm demeanor, talent, and occasional standout performances suggest he could be a key opener for India for years to come. Since his first match in December 2020 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he’s displayed a great mix of traditional skills and a fresh approach that’s crucial for this longer style of play.

Debut Series Heroics in Australia

Gill stepped up in his first series, helping India secure a memorable 2–1 victory over Australia. His impressive 91 runs in the fourth Test at the Gabba were crucial in chasing down 328 runs, marking a standout moment in Indian cricket. That innings showed not just his talent but also his coolness when the game was on the line.

Steady Rise and Key Contributions

Since he first joined the team, Gill has become a key player for India in Test matches. He often opens the batting, facing tough conditions in places like England and South Africa, as well as at home. He has scored several half-centuries and centuries, helping India get off to good starts. His first Test century was a stylish 110 against Bangladesh in December 2022, and he added another hundred against Australia in Ahmedabad in 2023.

The Indian Test team is going through some changes, and Shubman Gill is shaping up to be an important part of this new phase. He’s been gaining valuable experience in different conditions, showing a strong desire to score and continuously improve. This makes him a good option to help solve India’s opening problems in test matches.

Overall, Shubman Gill’s journey in Test cricket has been about turning potential into actual results. As he grows and develops, he’s not just solidifying his role as an opener but also showing he could be a future leader in the longer format of the game.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Net Worth, IPL Journey, and Luxury Life

Memorable Shubman Gill Test Centuries That Prove His Match-Winning Ability

shubman gill captaincy — Image: Scroll. in

Shubman Gill is just getting started in his Test career, but he has already shown some impressive performances that stand out. His centuries showcase not only his skills but also his knack for performing under pressure when his team needs him. Here are a few of his memorable Test centuries that demonstrate why many see him as one of India’s brightest talents in the longer format of the game.

1. 110 vs Bangladesh – Chattogram, December 2022

Gill scored his first Test century during India’s tour of Bangladesh, and he made it count. After several near misses in earlier games, he finally turned a solid start into a full-blown hundred. Playing on a tricky pitch in Chattogram, he showed great skill and patience, putting together a well-timed 110. This impressive innings played a key role in India’s strong victory and highlighted his talent against spin bowling.

2. 128 vs Australia–Ahmedabad, March 2023

Shubman Gill’s 128 in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was one of his best performances yet. Batting on a slow pitch in Ahmedabad, he showed his skill. While his teammates found it tough to hit runs, Gill remained composed and timed his shots beautifully. He played a key role in India’s response, helping them earn a draw and win the series 2-1 against Australia.

3. 119 vs Bangladesh–Chennai (September 2024)*

In the first game against Bangladesh, Gill played brilliantly, scoring an unbeaten 119 runs. With 10 fours and 4 sixes, he showed his ability to stabilize the innings and pick up the pace when needed, helping India take a strong lead in the match.

Each of these innings was played in a different condition—against pace, spin, and on varied surfaces. They prove that:

Gill has the temperament to build long innings under pressure.
He adjusts his game based on match situations and pitch behavior.
His ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when needed makes him a true match-winner.

As he continues to grow in experience and stature, Shubman Gill’s ability to deliver when it matters most suggests he’s not just a stylish batsman but a reliable game-changer in the making for Indian Test cricket.

Why Shubman Gill’s Calm Temperament Makes Him a Future Indian Captain?

In the intense world of international cricket, especially in a passionate country like India, having a good temperament can set a leader apart. Shubman Gill stands out for his calm nature and thoughtful approach to the game. He has shown time and again that he has the mental strength and maturity that are essential for leading at such a high level. His steady demeanor isn’t just who he is; it’s also a smart advantage, making him a great choice for India’s future captain.

1. Unfazed Under Pressure

Gill is good at staying calm when things get intense. Whether he’s playing against Australia in a tough match at the Gabba or steadying the team during an IPL chase, he doesn’t let pressure get to him. His relaxed demeanor boosts his teammates’ confidence, making him a valuable leader on the field.

2. Maturity Beyond His Years

From a young age, Gill has demonstrated a knack for clear thinking and making wise choices, whether it’s picking the right shots or tweaking his game strategy. This level of maturity, typically found in veteran players, hints at his strong emotional stability—something vital for taking on leadership roles in the national team.

3. Leading Without Noise

Gill doesn’t use loud gestures or his voice to show he’s in charge. He leads by being steady, focused, and respectful instead. In a time when many captains are known for emotional displays or energetic behavior, Gill’s calm approach makes him shine.

4. Strong Rapport with Team Members

Gill is really easy to talk to and always lends a hand to younger players. His calm demeanor helps him communicate clearly, making his teammates feel confident without feeling pressured. This supportive style is key in a locker room full of different personalities.

5. Ideal for Long-Term Leadership

India’s cricket scene is evolving as some of the experienced players start to move on. Having a steady and forward-thinking leader like Gill would be perfect to guide the new talent coming through. His cool approach helps him focus on both immediate results and future aspirations, which is exactly what the team needs in a captain.

Expert Opinions on Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Prospects for Team India

Shubman Gill, becoming India’s Test captain in May 2025, has caught the eye of many in the cricket world. Experts have mixed opinions about his ability to lead the team effectively.

Endorsements for Gill’s Leadership

Vikram Rathour, who used to coach the Indian batting team, really believes in Shubman Gill’s potential as a leader. He thinks that taking on the captaincy can boost Gill’s game, just like it helped Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the past. Rathour mentioned, “Captaincy brought out the best in Virat and Rohit, and I believe it will do the same for Shubman.”

Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, talked about why Shubman Gill was chosen as a leader. He noted, “Shubman is a guy we feel is a three-format player… He has shown some decent leadership qualities. So we want him to get some experience and build going forward.”

Diverse Perspectives on Captaincy Choices

While many support Gill’s appointment, some experts have offered alternative viewpoints:

Kiran More, former chief selector, advocated for KL Rahul as a more suitable choice for Test captaincy, citing Rahul’s experience and leadership credentials.

Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer, acknowledged Gill’s potential but emphasized the importance of IPL success for leadership roles. Raina stated, “If he does well in the IPL and wins the trophy, he is the future (captaincy). He will be the next superstar”.

Gill’s Vision and Leadership Approach

When Gill was appointed, he talked about his promise to lead by example and continue the good work of those who came before him. He stressed that discipline and hard work matter, and he wants to create a supportive team atmosphere. He wants to combine Rohit Sharma’s calm approach with Virat Kohli’s passion in the way he leads.

What Lies Ahead for Shubman Gill in Indian Cricket Leadership?

Shubman Gill stepping in as India’s Test captain signals a fresh start for the team. With many seasoned players nearing retirement, he finds himself responsible for guiding a young squad through some tough challenges, like difficult overseas matches. His relaxed nature and solid batting style make him a great fit for this role in the longest format of the game.

But it’s not just Test cricket where Gill is making waves. He’s also being looked at as a potential leader in the shorter formats, given his steady performances in ODIs and T20s and some successful stints as an IPL captain. The selectors are keen on preparing him for even bigger responsibilities down the line, especially when it comes to taking over from Rohit Sharma.

That said, Shubman Gill, as a captain, has to face his challenges. Gill will have to deal with high expectations while keeping his performance up and earning respect in a locker room full of experienced players. His calm confidence and thoughtful mindset will be crucial as he navigates these pressures.

As he continues to grow, Gill is becoming a symbol of the next generation of Indian cricket—focused, contemporary, and in tune with the media. His rising popularity and smart cricketing decisions make him a valuable asset for Indian cricket, both now and in the future. While his journey as a leader is just kicking off, it’s clear that Shubman Gill has the potential to become a significant figure in the sport.

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Conclusion

Shubman Gill’s journey in Indian cricket is not just about his skill and game performance; it’s also about his developing leadership. He has established himself as a reliable opener in test matches and shown great maturity as a captain in the IPL. His calm demeanor and consistent performance make him a strong candidate for the future of Indian cricket. Although he has more challenges ahead, it’s evident that Shubman Gill is prepared not only to excel personally but also to take on the hopes of a nation that loves cricket as its potential future captain.

FAQs

When did Shubman Gill make his Test debut?

Shubman Gill made his Test debut for India on December 26, 2020, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

How many Test centuries has Shubman Gill scored so far?

As of 2025, Shubman Gill has scored 5 Test centuries, including memorable knocks against Bangladesh and Australia.

Is Shubman Gill the current Test captain of India?

Yes, Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s Test captain in May 2025, marking a significant step in his cricketing and leadership journey.

What makes Shubman Gill a strong candidate for Indian captaincy?

Gill’s calm temperament, maturity beyond his years, leadership experience in IPL and domestic cricket, and consistent performances across formats make him a strong contender for long-term leadership.

How has Gill performed as a captain in the IPL?

Shubman Gill captained the GT in the IPL 2024 and 2025 seasons. His leadership style was praised for being composed and strategic, and he performed well with the bat while guiding a young team.

5 Reasons Why Shubman Gill Deserves to Be the Indian Cricket Captain

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