Former India cricketer Madan Lal expressed satisfaction with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel’s decision to name Shubman Gill as the ODI captain of India, considering it a ‘forward-looking move.’
Ahead
of India’s upcoming Australia tour, significant changes have been made, with Gill appointed the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Shreyas Iyer will serve as his deputy for the three-match ODI series. The squad sees the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while Jasprit Bumrah has been rested from the ODIs, and Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a comeback.
Gill Now Captain In Two Formats
In the T20I format, Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side, with Gill as vice-captain. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been added to the T20I squad, and the injured Hardik Pandya will miss out.
Madan Lal, the former Indian coach and selector, shared his views during a special episode of Cricket Predicta, saying, “This is an excellent decision by the selectors. Making Gill captain is a forward-looking move. He will be prepared for the World Cup. Now it will be interesting to see how Rohit Sharma performs under Gill’s leadership.”
Lal further added,“Shubman Gill is an excellent leader and has proven himself in Test cricket. He came very close to breaking Don Bradman’s record. He is the future, and the selectors have made that clear. We must give him time to mature as a captain, especially as we aim for ODI glory in 2027. This series will provide him with the necessary exposure.”
Former England cricketer David Gower also shared his views on India’s future World Cup strategies. “I don’t see Virat and Rohit playing in the 2027 World Cup… Pant, yes, despite being injury-prone. The team will rely on young leaders like Gill to shape the future. This is a perfect opportunity for him to step up and guide India to success.”
This move signifies a clear change in India’s leadership approach, with Rohit Sharma stepping down from all leadership positions. Questions remain about Rohit’s role in the ODI squad and the implications for the 2027 World Cup, but BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has yet to make any firm announcements.
This announcement heralds a new era in Indian cricket, as young leadership emerges while the team gears up for important series and long-term World Cup goals.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Gill has succeeded Rohit Sharma as the captain in the 50-over format and also explained the panel’s rationale behind this decision.
With former captains Rohit and Virat part of the squad facing Australia, Gill will now take charge in ODIs besides his red-ball captaincy.
(With inputs from IANS)
