As Team India gears up for their five-match Test series against England next month, the spotlight is firmly on the captaincy conundrum. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from the format, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take the helm? Shubman Gill, the talented vice-captain since last year, emerges as a strong contender, but the debate is far from over.
Gill’s leadership with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2025 season has been nothing short of stellar, propelling his side to the top of the points table. However, his Test record, with 1893 runs at an average of 35.05 in 32 matches, leaves room for scrutiny. Will his IPL success translate into Test leadership?
Enter Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned spinner and cricket pundit, who shared his insights on his YouTube channel. “If Gujarat Titans make the IPL playoffs and Gill earns accolades, it could smoothen his transition to Test captaincy,” Ashwin remarked. “But Test leadership demands more than just one good season. A captain must have a deep understanding of first-class cricket as well.”
Ashwin’s Wildcard Pick: Ravindra Jadeja
While Gill remains a front-runner, Ashwin floated another intriguing option for the Indian team: Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder’s experience and versatility make him a compelling candidate for the captaincy role.
“Let’s not forget, Jadeja is the most experienced player in the team,” Ashwin emphasized. “He deserves to be in the conversation. If the team is open to grooming a new leader over two years, Jadeja can hold the fort during that period. They could even appoint him as vice-captain under Jadeja. It might seem like a wildcard, but it’s worth considering.”
As the cricketing world speculates, one thing is clear: the captaincy debate adds an extra layer of excitement to India’s Test series against England. Who will step up to lead the Men in Blue? Only time will tell.
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