Ravichandran Ashwin has praised India’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England, describing it as a “futuristic call.” The veteran spinner believes that the team management is already looking ahead to the future and planning for the possibility of Rohit Sharma’s successor.
Rohit, who has been India’s ODI captain since December 2021, has led the team to some of its finest performances in recent years. However, the Indian team’s trophy drought in ICC tournaments continues, with their last major victory coming in the 2013 Champions Trophy. While Rohit has provided solid leadership, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and selectors are already starting to consider his future.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently mentioned that Rohit’s future would be reviewed after the Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill, who has been performing consistently in all formats, was appointed as vice-captain in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka and has now been given the role for the upcoming series against England.
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This move comes as a surprise to some, as other senior players such as Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant were also in the running for the position. In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his thoughts on the decision.
“If you think about the current squad, who else could be vice-captain?” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “I won’t say whether the decision to appoint Gill was right or wrong, but the point that was raised is important—he was also vice-captain in the last series. I think this is a futuristic call, as the management might be considering who could lead the team in the future.”
Ashwin also weighed in on the competition for the wicketkeeper’s role between Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, both of whom are vying for the spot.
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“Axar Patel has been named vice-captain for the upcoming T20I series against England, which creates stiff competition between him and Jadeja for a place in the XI,” Ravichandran Ashwin noted. He added that if Shubman becomes a future captain, he could lean on experienced players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah for mentorship.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign kicks off on February 20, with their first match against Bangladesh.
