As India prepares for a new era in Test cricket, following the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is under pressure to name a new long-format captain. While Shubman Gill is emerging as a top contender, 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has urged the board to reconsider.
“Gill Isn’t a Guaranteed Starter”: Srikkanth
In a candid interview with India Today, Srikkanth argued that Gill, despite his talent, has yet to solidify his position in the Indian Test XI—especially in overseas conditions.
“Who’s a ready-made captaincy candidate now? Shubman Gill? I don’t think he is still a certainty in the XI,” said Srikkanth. “Let him first score in England, Australia, and South Africa. Right now, he’s only dominant at home.”
Bumrah Preferred Over Gill for Captaincy
Srikkanth believes that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah should be India’s next Test captain. He even recommended a rotational policy if Bumrah isn’t available for all matches.
“If I were the chairman of selectors, I’d appoint Bumrah the captain and let him choose when to play. In his absence, KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant can lead the side,” he suggested.
This stance puts him at odds with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which is reportedly considering Gill for leadership as part of a long-term transition plan.
“Don’t Thrust the Burden on Gill”
Srikkanth warned against “thrusting” leadership onto a young player who is still finding his feet in the most demanding format of the game.
“You can’t appoint someone captain just for the sake of it. This isn’t a social experiment—Gill needs to prove himself in tough conditions first,” he emphasized.
“BCCI Should Have Persuaded Kohli”
On the topic of Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, Srikkanth said the BCCI missed a trick by not attempting to retain him as captain until a proper successor was ready.
“If I were the selection chairman, I would’ve personally requested Kohli to stay for six months to a year,” he said. “Now there’s a captaincy void, and it’s risky to make hasty decisions.”
Conclusion: Is Gill Ready to Lead the Red-Ball Charge?
While Shubman Gill represents the future of Indian cricket, Srikkanth’s comments raise an important question about timing and maturity. With Kohli and Rohit gone, the Indian team needs a stable and experienced hand to guide the next phase. Whether it’s Bumrah, KL Rahul, or Pant, the BCCI must weigh performance and leadership under pressure before making its choice.
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Source: India Today Report
