With India’s cautious approach toward split captaincy, recent IPL performances, and the slow, spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE for the 2026 T20 World Cup, many believe Shubman Gill could emerge as a strong contender for a leadership role in the national T20I setup. Former cricketers and selectors feel the selectors might already be weighing his credentials as a potential successor to Suryakumar Yadav.
Gill’s T20I numbers are promising but not yet staggering—21 matches, a strike rate of 139.27, one century, and three fifties. His last appearance in the format came in July 2024, after which players like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson took the top-order slots. Yet, his stellar red-ball run, particularly the record-breaking Test series in England, has put him firmly back in the conversation ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.
Former India selector Devang Gandhi believes the 25-year-old’s leadership credentials shouldn’t be overlooked. “There’s no reason why Gill should not get a leadership role in T20s. The messaging has to be clear about who takes over after Suryakumar Yadav,” Gandhi told TOI.
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Currently, India operates with three different captains—Suryakumar in T20Is, Rohit Sharma in ODIs, and Gill in Tests. Gandhi, however, feels split captaincy in India often struggles for longevity.
“Unlike other countries, India needs stability in the thought process. When a prolific all-format player is already leading in one format, it’s hard not to entrust him with another. Gill has proven himself as a batter and has IPL captaincy experience,” he added.
Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, meanwhile, sees a battle brewing between Gill and current T20I vice-captain Axar Patel for Ajit Agarkar’s panel to resolve. “Sanju Samson has done well but faltered against a full-strength England at home—that was the only series under Surya against a top-tier side,” Dasgupta said.
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“Gill has that Kohli-like quality to anchor an innings under pressure. In UAE conditions, where slower tracks test batters, his ability to pace the innings becomes invaluable. His IPL record supports his case. If the selectors are planning beyond the Asia Cup and grooming a future leader, they’ll have to decide if Axar stands ahead of Gill.”
With leadership debates heating up, the 2025 Asia Cup could be the first step in Gill’s potential rise as India’s next T20I captain.
