Gill took over as India's Test and ODI captain in 2025.
Former India cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath believes that Shubman Gill drives the final squad selections and tactical choices for the Indian team over head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Gill took over as India's Test and ODI captain in 2025, succeeding the leadership group under Gambhir, who was appointed in mid-2024.
Under Gill’s leadership, a transitional, younger Indian Test team secured an impressive 2-2 draw in England and won 1-0 in Sri Lanka, bringing his early record to six victories and three defeats in 11 Tests.
Despite Gambhir’s commanding presence, Badrinath stated that Gill makes the core decisions because the captain bears direct accountability for results.
"Shubman Gill's captaincy has been a big positive. India did well in England and now Sri Lanka also. He is leading a young team and doing very well. Though Gambhir is a commanding figure, I still feel Shubman Gill is making the calls and picking the team, knowing the captain will be held responsible for the results," Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath also reckons Devdutt Padikkal secured his spot at No. 3 in the Test side with strong performance on the tour of Sri Lanka.
Padikkal was named Player-of-the-Series after scoring 328 runs at a staggering average of 109.33, which included centuries in both matches. The southpaw grabbed his opportunity at one-drop after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series with a toe injury. He also earned the Player-of-the-Match in the first Test, which India won by 195 runs.
"Devdutt Padikkal is a big positive for India. He has sealed the No.3 position. There is no need to worry about No.3 from here on for India. He is someone who seems to play all formats well. Somehow, the current RCB players seem to do well wherever they go," he added.
Badrinath was effusive in praise of Rishabh Pant, hailing him as India’s best-ever Test batter among wicketkeepers.
During the first Test in Galle, Pant scripted history by becoming the first Indian and the fastest player globally to hit 100 Test sixes.
"In my opinion, he's the best-ever Test batter India has produced among wicketkeepers. Though MS Dhoni is close, I don't think India has ever had a batter as good as Pant among their wicketkeepers in Tests. No one else comes even close, though, among Indian keepers," Badrinath stated.
"He has an incredible 11 half-centuries and six centuries away from home. Delivering in away conditions is harder as it's out of your comfort zone. Pant has consistently performed away from home," he remarked.