“Shubman Gill is more competitive …”: Sunil Gavaskar’s big statement test captaincy dilemma

The great Sunil Gavaskar feels that the high-octane IPL is the perfect training ground for future India captains, which provides the required leadership experience to Shubman Gill before graduating to the highest level. Gill, a skipper of Gujarat Titans, is expected to captain India on a test tour of England after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Rishabh Pant is likely to be his deputy. Virat Kohli’s retirement, which came only a few days after Rohit’s decision, has left zero in a large scale in the test team. Gavaskar said that it would take at least a few years for other potential leaders like Gill and Pants and Shreyas Iyer.

In response to a PTI Query in Star Sports Press Room, Gavaskar said, “It will take a few years to reach the level of our super captain (MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli).

The pants are currently captaining LSG, while Iyer is leading Punjab Kings in this IPL.

“When you look at Gill, Iyer and Pants, the three main pretense of Indian captaincy you see a amalgamation of the three (Dhoni, Rohit, Virat). Gill is probably more competitive, when there is a decision, he is immediately asking the umpire. He probably included too much.

“Although Pant is behind the stump, he is also very involved. Iyer has also been fantastic. The three have brought a lot of positivity to the way they are captaining.

“As a captain, nothing gives you more experience from the pressure of the T20 game. It is the best training ground for captaincy,” said the former captain of former India.

At the same program, former India batter Suresh Raina underlined the importance of winning the IPL as a captain before taking the captaincy of the national team.

“Young players think differently these days. Gill is looking for that IPL trophy. If he leads in trials after winning the IPL, he will not only thrive, but will also get a lot of respect in the dressing room.

“Rajat Patidar is also well captaining. However, he has not captained much. He has peace about him.

“Now no one is Virat or Rohit, he looked at the opposition in the eyes and kept them under pressure. It comes with energy, character and body language. Shubman is near. Even Hardik Pandya has,” Raina said.

Southpo said that Kohli would be removed more than ever to end his long wait for the IPL title.

Focusing in the IPL play-off race, Raina said, “There is only one thing that Virat does not have, this is an IPL trophy. His hunger to win is unmatched. He deserves that trophy.”

The IPL resumes on 17 May after a sudden suspension of the league in view of India-Pakistan military conflict.

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