Former cricketer Suresh Raina reckons India skipper captain Rohit Sharma ‘clearly knows’ that Shubman Gill will be his successor in the ODI format and, thus, the 25-year-old has been named the vice-captain for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

According to Raina, Shubman is ‘one of the best captains’ in India and ‘much like’ Virat Kohli. The Punjab lad was handed the deputy role ahead of his seniors like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant.

Speaking to the media while announcing the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday (January 18) cited ‘dressing room feedback’ and ‘leadership qualities’ to justify the call.

“I think Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India," Raina said in a press event organised by Star Sports.

“He has done remarkably well in the one-day side. When you give such a good opportunity to a youngster, like making him the vice-captain in the ICC Champions Trophy, it speaks volumes about his potential. Rohit Sharma clearly knows who the next leader will be."

“Shubman Gill is one of the best captains we’ve seen, especially with how he led the Gujarat team in the IPL. The way he has performed in the last 12-16 months justifies this decision. That’s why Rohit will open with him—it’s a great move by the selectors and Rohit Sharma himself. Rohit has observed how Gill leads, much like how Virat Kohli did. Gill’s on-field work ethic is exceptional. He knows the team, leads from the front, and has a strong awareness of the game. It’s a very good move by the selectors and Rohit."

Shubman Gill reportedly had Rohit and Agarkar’s backing for the deputy role, despite head coach Gautam Gambhir wanting Hardik Pandya to be the vice-captain.

Gill led Gujarat Tians in the IPL 2024 season. Under his captaincy, the 2022 champions finished eighth, losing seven of the 14 matches.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.