Shubman Gill was recently named India captain for the Zimbabwe T20I tour, where he led the Men in Blue to a 4-1 win. However, there were questions raised over Shubman Gill being named India captain over the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was also in the contingent.
Ruturaj Gaikwad has captained India previously, as he led a second-string side in the Asian Games and won the gold medal. He also captained the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2204 as well. His captaincy lacked the experience and decision-making as per his detractors.
Amit Mishra, who appeared on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, shared his views on Shubman Gill's elevation as India skipper, for the recently-concluded T20I series against Zimbabwe, saying he doesn't feel the opening batter should've been given the responsibility.
For Mishra, Ruturaj Gaikwad remains a better option in all aspects, even as a batter.
"Mai Shubman ko captain nahi banaunga, kyonki maine usey IPL me dekha, he doesn't know ki captaincy kaise karna hai, uske paas captaincy ka idea hi nahi hai. (I would not have made him the captain. You saw the IPL this season, Gill doesn't know how to captain the side, he is clueless).
Just because he is a part of the Indian team, he shouldn't be made the captain. Gill has done well in the IPL over the last few seasons, he did fine in the Indian team as well. The Indian team made him the captain as they want to give him the leadership experience, which wasn't visible when he led Gujarat Titans in IPL," Mishra said on the podcast.
When asked about the captaincy options in the shortest format, Mishra mentioned Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad has been a part of the Zimbabwe T20Is series since the start, Samson joined the team in the second match.
"There's Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Ruturaj Gaikwad who can lead India in T20Is. Right now, the BCCI is only looking to assess all options," he said.
Amit Mishra was also asked whether Rahul Dravid’s closeness with Shubman Gill played a role in him becoming India's captain.
“Everyone has some liking. I am not a Shubman Gill hater, I also like him. But, I feel Ruturaj is a better option because he has scored runs in tougher situations, be it for Chennai Super Kings or during the Asian Games. He is a good option and should be kept with the team, the way Yashasvi Jaiswal was with the Indian side at the T20 World Cup.
He is someone who can deliver in T20Is, ODIs and Tests. The most important thing is, who brings calmness to the team? He doesn't play risky shots much. He should hire a good manager (for social media PR)," he further explained.
