New Delhi: Shubman Gill’s standing in Indian cricket has soared over the past year, highlighted by his appointment as captain in both Tests and ODIs in 2025. The decision reflects the selectors’ growing confidence in his temperament, leadership qualities, and long-term vision for the team.
More than just a prolific top-order batter, Gill is now seen as a central figure around whom the next phase of Indian cricket will be built. With veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, Gill has been positioned as the face of the transition, expected to shoulder additional responsibility both on and off the field.
Leadership Transition and Comparisons
Gill’s rise signals a clear shift in leadership, as India blends youth with continuity while preparing for future challenges across formats. His batting temperament, intensity, and approach at the crease have drawn frequent comparisons with former India captain Virat Kohli, who remained one of the biggest crowd-pullers in world cricket for over a decade. While Gill is still some distance from matching Kohli’s stature, the parallels are notable.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in on the comparisons, expressing confidence in Gill’s ability to handle the spotlight. “He (Gill) has a lot of talent. There will always be comparisons. Virat was compared with Sachin, and now Gill is being compared to Virat, who has scored those 25,000–30,000 runs. I think he is fully capable of it. He has a fine range of shots. The more responsibility and challenges he gets, he will grow as a cricketer. I have seen that he is always ready for cricket,” Pathan told Star Sports.
Shubman Gill to Lead in New Zealand ODIs
Gill is set to return to India colours for the ODI series against New Zealand, where he will feature alongside Virat Kohli. Having missed selection for the T20 World Cup, the upcoming ODIs carry added significance for Gill, offering him a crucial opportunity to reaffirm his value in the 50-over format and solidify his position in the national setup.
The series will be closely watched, as Gill’s performances are likely to define India’s leadership transition in the coming years and provide insights into how the team balances experience with the next generation of talent.