Shubman Gill Test Record, Shubman Gill elegant, fearless, and undeniably talented. Ever since he burst onto the international scene after a stellar U-19 World Cup in 2018, cricket fans and experts alike have been touting him as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Now, with Virat Kohli stepping back from captaincy and Rohit Sharma not getting any younger, the question emerges:
Could Shubman Gill be India’s next Test captain?
Let’s break it down.
Gill’s Test Career: A Promising Start
Shubman Gill Test Record, Shubman Gill made his Test debut against Australia in December 2020 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). And what a debut series it was! Battling a world-class Aussie pace attack on their turf, Gill impressed with scores of 45, 35*, 50, and that memorable 91 in the Gabba chase.
Test Career Stats (as of June 2025):
- Matches: 27
- Runs: 1495+
- Average: ~32-35
- 100s/50s: 2/6
- Best Score: 128
The stats might not scream “elite” yet, but context matters. Gill has often opened on challenging overseas tracks and is still only 25 years old.
Key Innings That Highlight His Potential
- 91 vs Australia, Gabba (2021) – A fearless knock that helped India breach Australia’s fortress.
- 128 vs Australia, Ahmedabad (2023) – His first Test century at home, proving his adaptability.
- 104 vs England, Visakhapatnam, 2024– Gill’s first century in the England series.
Technically Sound, Mentally Tough
There’s no denying Shubman Gill’s class. His stroke play is effortless, especially those graceful cover drives and backfoot punches. But beyond the aesthetics, Gill has shown mental grit, a must-have trait for a potential Test captain.
- Resilience in Australia
- Toughing it out in England
- Handling swing and pace under pressure
These experiences have matured him faster than numbers might suggest.
Leadership Experience: From U-19 to Gujarat Titans
Gill isn’t new to leadership.
Captaincy Highlights:
- India U-19 Vice-Captain (2018) – He was the tactical mind behind the scenes during Prithvi Shaw’s World Cup-winning campaign.
- Gujarat Titans Captain (IPL 2024-2025) – Took over the reins after Hardik Pandya’s departure and led the team admirably to playoffs.
His calm demeanor, strategic clarity, and the respect he commands in the dressing room were visible during his IPL captaincy stint.
What Sets Gill Apart?
Temperament
Gill doesn’t lose his cool easily. Even in high-pressure moments, he remains composed a trait often associated with successful Test skippers like Dhoni and Dravid.
Strategic Mind
His field placements and bowling changes during the IPL impressed pundits. While white-ball tactics differ from Tests, the underlying leadership instincts are transferable.
Respect Among Peers
From Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, senior players have often spoken highly of Gill. He’s seen as a natural leader-in-waiting, not someone who will disrupt the team environment.
The Case Against: Is It Too Soon?
Shubman Gill Test Record, Of course, there are concerns.
- Inconsistent Batting Form in Tests: His average hovers in the mid-30s. India traditionally prefers captains with dominant batting records.
- Limited Experience in Red-Ball Leadership: Unlike Rahane or Pujara, Gill hasn’t captained much in First-Class cricket.
- Other Contenders: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and even Shreyas Iyer (in white-ball formats) could be ahead in the pecking order.
But let’s not forget MS Dhoni was picked as captain with just 3 years of experience. Leadership isn’t always about stats; it’s about vision.
Gill vs Other Captaincy Options
| Player | Experience | Leadership Cred | Long-Term Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | High | Moderate | Injury prone |
| Rishabh Pant | Moderate | Aggressive | Injury return pending |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Moderate | Calm & tactical | Bowlers rarely lead |
| Shubman Gill | Growing | High | Long-term bet |
Gill may not top all metrics, but he ticks the boxes for long-term vision.
Is He Ready for the Pressure Cooker of Indian Captaincy?
Captaincy in India is no ordinary job, it’s a mix of pressure, politics, and public expectation. Every move is scrutinized, every loss overanalyzed. So, can Gill handle it?
His off-field demeanor suggests yes.
He’s not overly flashy on social media, speaks with maturity, and keeps a low profile. These attributes hint at someone who won’t be distracted or overwhelmed.
Comparison with Past Indian Captains at a Similar Stage
To assess whether Gill is ready for captaincy, let’s compare his early career stats with some of India’s most successful captains:
| Player | Matches (First 24 Tests) | Runs | Average | 100s | Leadership Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 24 | 1,494 | 41.50 | 5 | Became full-time captain after 52 Tests |
| MS Dhoni | 24 | 1,200 | 36.36 | 1 | Took over in his 36th Test |
| Sourav Ganguly | 24 | 1,300 | 45.00 | 3 | Became captain in his 49th Test |
| Shubman Gill | 24 | 1,440 | 34.28 | 2 | Yet to captain India |
The data shows that Gill’s numbers are comparable to MS Dhoni’s early Test career, though Dhoni had already led India in limited-overs cricket before taking over the Test side. Kohli and Ganguly had stronger starts, but Gill’s recent form suggests he is improving.
A Look Ahead: Can Gill Lead a Transitioning India?
India is clearly in a transition phase in white-ball cricket:
- Kohli and Rohit is retired.
- Pujara and Rahane are phased out
- Pant is returning from injury
- Bowlers are getting older
This opens up space for a new era and possibly a young leader to guide it. Shubman Gill, with his style and skill, could be that torchbearer.
Expert Opinions on Gill’s Captaincy Potential
Several cricket analysts and former players have weighed in on whether Gill could lead India:
- Sunil Gavaskar once remarked, “Gill has the temperament and skill, but he needs more runs to cement his place before thinking about captaincy.” (Source: ESPN Cricinfo)
- Rahul Dravid (Ex India’s head coach) has praised Gill’s work ethic but has not explicitly endorsed him for leadership yet.
- Kevin Pietersen believes “Gill’s ability to handle pressure makes him a dark horse for future captaincy.”
Fan Reactions: Mixed but Hopeful
Cricket fans are divided.
- “He’s too young, let him focus on runs first.”
- “He’s got Dhoni-like calmness. Why not groom him now?”
- “Gill and captaincy? That’s the future.”
One thing’s certain, he has the backing of the youth, and that matters in shaping tomorrow’s Indian cricket narrative.
Read More: England Test Squad 2025 Announced for India Series: Big Returns and Fresh Faces
Conclusion
Is Shubman Gill ready to captain India in Tests?
Not completely, yet. But he’s getting there.
Shubman Gill Test Record, With a few more consistent performances, some First-Class captaincy under his belt, and continued mentorship from senior players, Gill could very well become India’s next red-ball leader. He has the makings of a long-term captain: technically sound, mentally composed, and tactically astute.
The baton is slowly shifting and when the moment comes, don’t be surprised if it lands firmly in the hands of Shubman Gill.
What Do You Think?
Would you like to see Shubman Gill as India’s next Test captain? Or do you think someone else should take the helm?
Join the conversation in the comments below!
