Is Shubman Gill Really Captain Material? A Closer Look...

Is Shubman Gill Really Captain Material? A Closer Look

The decision to hand Shubman Gill the captaincy has raised more than a few eyebrows. Many are calling it a forward-looking move, a bet on youth. But leadership in international cricket cannot be a lottery ticket—especially when current form and overseas performance suggest otherwise.

Let’s begin with the hard numbers. In England—where conditions truly test a batter’s technique and temperament—Gill averages just 14.66. Here's how he stacks up against some of his Indian teammates:

• KL Rahul – 34.11
• Rishabh Pant – 32.70
• Ravindra Jadeja – 29.18
• Shardul Thakur – 24.71
• Shubman Gill – 14.66
• Jasprit Bumrah – 11.90

TIO Sports' Abhisek Kumar summed it up sharply: “Gill averages more than Bumrah, that’s why he was selected as captain ahead of Bumrah.” It's tongue-in-cheek, but it hits a nerve.

Gill’s performance in other challenging overseas conditions doesn’t scream “leadership material” either:

In Australia:

• Matches: 3
• Runs: 259
• Average: 51.80 (Promising, but mostly based on one strong series in 2020-21)

In South Africa:

• Matches: 3
• Runs: 74
• Average: 14.80

In the West Indies:

• Matches: 2
• Runs: 45
• Average: 15.00

In New Zealand:

• Hasn't played Tests yet

His record at home is better, but even there, consistency is an issue. And leadership isn’t just about averages—it’s about inspiring others, commanding respect in the dressing room, and making tactical calls under pressure. At this stage, Gill hasn’t shown clear signs of that.

With more experienced players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the squad—both of whom have better numbers and have led in high-pressure situations—it’s fair to ask: Was Gill’s selection as captain based on performance, or PR?

He’s young, he’s talented, and he may well grow into the role in a few years. But right now, the evidence doesn’t support the hype. India needs a captain who leads from the front, not one who’s still finding his place in the side.

Shubman Gill may be the future. But is he the present? Not yet, in my view.