By As India looks toward a new era in Test cricket, the question of who should take over the captaincy has sparked widespread debate. While many fans and experts have thrown their support behind the young and stylish Shubman Gill, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has taken a contrasting stance. The former Indian captain believes that Gill, though promising, is not yet ready to lead the national Test side.
👤 Gavaskar’s Stand: Experience Over Popularity
Gavaskar, known for his straightforward and analytical views, stated that Test cricket demands more than just form and flair. According to him, captaincy in the longest format requires strategic depth, temperament, and years of experience under pressure. In his opinion, Gill—still early in his Test journey—has not yet demonstrated the qualities needed to shoulder such a responsibility.
Without naming Gill directly as a poor choice, Gavaskar made it clear that his preference lies with a player who has already proven leadership capabilities at the domestic and international levels.
🧠 Gavaskar’s Preferred Candidate: KL Rahul or Ajinkya Rahane?
Although Gavaskar hasn’t officially endorsed a single name in public comments, insiders suggest he leans toward someone like KL Rahul or Ajinkya Rahane. Both players bring extensive Test experience and have captained India in various formats. KL Rahul, in particular, has led India in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and is seen as a calm, composed figure under pressure.
Rahane, on the other hand, is widely respected for leading India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2020–21 after Kohli’s departure from the tour. His leadership was praised for being low-key but effective—traits that Gavaskar and many former cricketers value.
🌟 Why Not Shubman Gill—At Least for Now?
Shubman Gill is undoubtedly one of India’s most promising young talents. His elegance with the bat, ability to adapt across formats, and growing confidence have made him a fan favorite. However, Gavaskar seems to believe that Gill needs more time to solidify his place in the Test XI and develop the mental and tactical maturity required for captaincy.
Critics of Gill’s leadership potential point out that while he has excelled in limited-overs cricket and the IPL, Test captaincy comes with unique challenges—like managing five-day pressure, rotating bowlers strategically, and maintaining dressing room balance.
📊 The Bigger Picture: India’s Future in Test Cricket
With Rohit Sharma nearing the end of his career and Virat Kohli stepping away from leadership, India is clearly in a transitional phase. Choosing the right Test captain isn’t just about current form—it’s about long-term vision and team building. Gavaskar’s views are a reminder that popularity shouldn’t overshadow leadership quality.
BCCI and selectors will have to weigh multiple factors—form, fitness, temperament, and experience—before announcing a successor to Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket. While Gill might be a strong candidate in the future, veterans like KL Rahul or Rahane could be the stabilizing force India needs right now.
📝 Conclusion: A Leadership Call That Needs Patience
Sunil Gavaskar’s reservations about Shubman Gill as Test captain underline a key truth: great players aren’t always great leaders—at least not immediately. With Indian cricket poised for generational change, voices like Gavaskar’s bring much-needed perspective to the conversation. Whether the selectors agree or not, it’s clear that the road to Test captaincy will be paved with both talent and timing. Sunil Gavaskar opposes Shubman Gill as India’s next Test captain, citing lack of experience. He prefers a more seasoned player like KL Rahul or Ajinkya Rahane to lead the team in the challenging red-ball format for long-term stability.
