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India ODI captain Rohit Sharma will have Shubman Gill as his deputy for the team’s upcoming assignments in the format.
Shubman Gill has played 47 ODIs so far. (PTI Photo)
Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the Indian team management’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the ODI vice-captain ahead of a number of senior players in the side. Eyebrows were raised when Gill was named as Rohit Sharma’s deputy for the upcoming England ODIs and the Champions Trophy even though the likes of KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant are part of the squad.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, says the decision indicates that India have earmarked Gill as a future leader of the side.
“Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain was right or wrong, but the point raised is valid, especially since he was the vice-captain in the last series as well.”
Gill was also the India vice-captain when they last played an ODI series – during the Sri Lanka white-ball tour last year.
“I could be mistaken, but I believe he’s also had some vice-captaincy experience in Test cricket. This could be a forward-thinking move, as the management might be considering who could take on the leadership role in the future,” he added.
Ashwin feels that Gill, who feels more at home in ODIs, has his spot locked in one-day cricket and hence the team has bestowed him with vice-captaincy.
“While both (Rishabh) Pant and (KL) Rahul could play together, they’ve handed the vice-captaincy to the player whose spot in the XI is already secure. If Shubman Gill is groomed to lead in the future, he can rely on the guidance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.
In India’s Champions Trophy squad, they have also named Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ashwin feels that the young batter may only get a look only if there’s an injury concern.
“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries?” Ashwin said.
“One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalise on Jaiswal’s current form,” he added.
