Shubman Gill’s rapid rise in Indian cricket continues to shape the team’s leadership dynamics across formats. Already appointed as India’s captain in Tests and ODIs, Gill now appears firmly positioned to take over the T20I reins as well. His elevation to T20I vice-captain—despite being away from the format for nearly a year—strongly hints at the BCCI’s long-term vision for him.
And why not? Since stepping into captaincy after the 2023 ODI World Cup, Gill has maintained a flawless leadership record, having not lost a single series as India’s skipper across formats. While Rohit Sharma briefly returned to lead the team during the Afghanistan series and the triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, the baton soon shifted again.
By July 2024, Suryakumar Yadav was reinstated as T20I captain for the Sri Lanka tour and has since remained India’s full-time leader in the shortest format. But with Gill now the premier all-format batter and one of the few consistent performers since February, questions naturally arise—does his quick ascent put pressure on Suryakumar? Suryakumar dismisses any such notion.
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“It motivates you to do better,” he told The Indian Express. “The camaraderie between us is amazing both on and off the field. I know the kind of player and person he is. That helps me perform better.”
He further added that fear has never been part of his mindset. “I left fear long back. If I am following the right processes and working hard, everything else will fall into place. And I’m genuinely happy for him—he has done really well.”
Suryakumar also spoke warmly about India head coach Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a “brother” with whom he shares a long association from their Kolkata Knight Riders days.
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“There’s no need for too many words between us,” he said. “I played four years with him at KKR and learned a lot. Now life has come full circle—he’s India’s coach. We hardly need discussions on playing XI decisions. Ninety-nine percent of the time, we think alike. On the field, one signal from him is enough—I don’t even think twice.”
