In a landmark decision signalling the start of a new era, the Indian selectors on Saturday (October 4) removed Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy and passed over the baton to young opener Shubman Gill, with the 2027 World Cup firmly in sight.
Gill was also appointed India’s Test skipper following Rohit's retirement in May 2025. Moreover, the 26-year-old currently serves as the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is.
Despite his elevation to leadership roles, former cricketer Robin Uthappa reckons Shubman Gill will not become the all-format captain for India in the near future.
Uthappa said Gill still has to cement his place in the shortest format and backed Shreyas Iyer as a potential option to lead India in T20Is. Notably, Iyer has been named the vice-captain for the upcoming three-ODI series against Australia.
“I get One Day and Test cricket, and I think he's a solid pick in Test cricket, and he's shown us that as well. As far as ODI cricket is concerned, I think his numbers are good, but I think they'll get better for a player of his caliber. I think they will look at Shreyas Iyer as a captain in T20. Shubman Gill, he still has to earn that spot,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa highlighted Gill’s underwhelming display in the Asia Cup 2025, suggesting that the second opening batter spot remains open with Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the fray.
“Especially when have Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings, Sanju Samson's spot being shifted, Shreyas Iyer not being a part of the side, waiting in the wings as well. I wish his Asia Cup went better for him for his sake because now Abhishek has run with that one opener slot. Now, the second opener slot is still very much open. As far as I am concerned, Yashasvi can be someone who can come up there. Sanju can certainly come up there.”
“I still think Gill needs to secure his spot first. So, I don't think it will be taken for granted in a sense where he will be captain or he will be next in line.” We know and we've seen Indian cricket changes overnight; things change very quickly, narratives change very quickly. Honestly, vice-captaincy in India doesn't mean very much… Like, you've seen a bunch of vice-captains not becoming captain, right?” he remarked.
