Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina has expressed his belief that Shubman Gill has the potential to become the next captain of the Indian men’s cricket team. Raina’s endorsement comes amidst speculation about the future of current captain Rohit Sharma, who has recently stated his desire to lead India to victory in the T20 World Cup this year and the World Test Championship (WTC) next year.
Raina’s comments were made during a discussion on Lallantop, where he said, “I would say he will be the next Indian captain (after Rohit Sharma). Ban sakta hai vo.”
Gill’s appointment as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) for IPL 2024 has further fueled speculation about his leadership credentials. Despite GT’s recent struggles, Gill has impressed as a leader, guiding the team to three wins in their first seven matches.
The 23-year-old is also the leading run-scorer for GT this season, with 263 runs in seven matches at an average of 43.83. His performances have showcased his maturity and ability to handle pressure situations.
Gill’s leadership qualities were also evident during his time as captain of the India Under-19 team, which won the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He has also captained the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, albeit with limited success.
Raina’s endorsement of Gill as a potential future captain is significant, given his own experience as a leader in the Indian team. Raina captained India in limited-overs cricket on several occasions and is known for his aggressive and attacking style of play.
If Gill is indeed appointed as India’s next captain, he will have big shoes to fill. Rohit Sharma has been a successful leader, guiding India to victory in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2023 ICC World Test Championship.
However, Gill’s talent, leadership qualities, and experience suggest that he has the potential to succeed Rohit Sharma and lead India to future glory.
