Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shared his surprise after Shubman Gill was named as India’s new Test captain ahead of the England series. Chopra noted that Gill averages 35 in the red-ball version and he averages 25 while playing outside the sub-continent.
However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has backed the youngster despite his low returns in the multi-day format. Gill will take over the Test captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma, who recently announced his retirement.
Gill has been leading Gujarat Titans with aplomb in the ongoing IPL 2025 but leading India in the red-ball format will be a different ball game altogether.
Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “His average is 35. His overseas numbers are around 25, and that’s not very healthy as a batter alone, let alone as the captain. Lots (of challenges) actually in Test cricket. If it were ODIs, we would have said absolutely fine. He is the heir apparent. He is appointed as the vice captain for a significant period of time.”
“So, we saw it coming but when you talk about Test cricket, you’d say he’s still trying to figure out a place for himself, especially outside of the subcontinent. So, I see this as an investment of faith. You see somebody, you see promise and potential. You go with that guy with a lot of hope and some amount of belief that we are making the right choice.”
Chopra also shared his surprise after Shubman Gill was given his preferred position of batting at number three after playing only 15 Test matches, when Yashasvi Jaiswal grabbed his chance while opening.
“I think he had played only 15 Test matches and he was given the choice as to where he wanted to bat. He was an opener then Yashasvi Jaiswal came into the picture and Gill actually said I prefer number three. That choice was given to him, and I found it very odd at that time that after just playing about 15 Tests, it cannot be your call, it has to be the management’s call,” said Chopra.
The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.
