Shubman Gill's Captaincy Prospects: A Closer Look at His Test Performance

As Rohit Sharma steps down from Test cricket, Shubman Gill is being considered for captaincy alongside Rishabh Pant. However, his inconsistent performance raises questions about his readiness for such a role. With a mediocre record against top teams and struggles in SENA countries, many wonder if he can lead effectively. This article delves into Gill's statistics, leadership experience, and the implications of placing such a heavy burden on his shoulders at this stage of his career. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the selectors need a backup plan?

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2025, 21:23 IST

The Future of Indian Test Cricket: Shubman Gill's Leadership Potential

With Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket, many are speculating about Shubman Gill stepping into the captaincy role, potentially with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. However, there are significant concerns regarding whether the 25-year-old is ready for such a responsibility.

The Indian Test team is entering a new phase, moving away from its established stars. Yet, Gill has not yet demonstrated that he belongs among them. His performance in limited-overs formats has not been particularly encouraging. Over nearly five years and 32 matches, he has accumulated 1,893 runs with a disappointing average of 35, including five centuries and seven half-centuries—figures that hardly reflect consistency.

This raises the question: can a batsman with such modest statistics effectively lead the team? Gill's record against top Test nations is far from impressive. He has scored 537 runs at an average of 35 against Australia and 37 in ten matches against England. His performance against New Zealand stands at just 32 runs from five Tests, and he has only managed 18 runs in two matches against South Africa.

Challenges in SENA Countries:

Country	Runs	HS	Average	100s	50s
Australia	352	91	35.20	0	2
England	88	28	14.66	0	0
South Africa	74	36	18.50	0	0
Overall	514	–	24.47	–	2

Gill's away performances are equally concerning. In Australia, he averages 35 over six Tests, while his scores in England and South Africa are 14 and 18, respectively. Overall, in SENA countries, he has managed just 514 runs in 21 innings, yielding a disappointing average of 24.47, raising doubts about his suitability for leadership.

During India's recent tour of Australia, Gill had a chance to elevate his game but ended up with only 93 runs across three matches, averaging 18 with a top score of 31. While his talent is undeniable, placing too much responsibility on him at this stage could be overwhelming.

Year-on-year comparisons of his performance reveal a puzzling trend. Except for 2024, where he played just one Test at an average of 16, his annual averages have consistently hovered in the 20s. In 2021, he scored 478 runs at an average of 29; the same average persisted in 2022, and in 2023, it dropped to 28. Based on current form, he might not even warrant a spot in the playing XI.

Moreover, his leadership experience does not inspire confidence. In his only first-class match as captain of Punjab, the team suffered a loss to Karnataka. In the IPL, while leading the Gujarat Titans, he has achieved 13 wins out of 23 matches—decent, but not exceptional. Ultimately, the decision rests with the board, and if Gill is chosen, it is hoped he can deliver. However, selectors must have a solid backup plan in case things do not unfold as anticipated.