Gill Vs Kohli Vs Rohit: Comparing Test Stats Of India Captains Before Full-Time Tenure

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill [Source: @GlamCricket/x.com]

The Indian squad that will be touring England next month has been announced. One of the major talking points of the squad was the appointment of the new captain - Shubman Gill. For now, the young batter stands as the full time Test captain of the team. Interestingly, Gill succeeds Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to this role.

Let us check the stats of the three players when they were handed over the responsibility of Test team by the selectors. 

Overall Test Records While Taking Over Captaincy

Among the last three full time Test captains of India, Rohit Sharma seems to have the best average while assuming the role. While Rohit averaged around 46.60 while taking up the role, Virat Kohli averaged about 43.08. Interestingly, Virat Kohli significantly increased his average while being the capyain of the team. 

Shubman Gill has the most modest record as a Test player while taking up the role. He has a very humble average of 35.05 while he takes up the captaincy responsibilities. 

Home vs Away Performance Analysis

The difference between the home and away performances of the three players at time of getting Test captaincy. The difference of average showsn that Virat Kohli has been the most balanced performer for the team while taking up the role. Shubman Gill has a worse average than the other two, but the desparity between his home and away performances is not as prominent as Rohit. 

Rohit Sharma's difference in average while playing in home and away at the time of becoming captain shows a typical case of an Indian batter. He had astronomical numbers at home while it was quite modest away from home. 

Home and Away record comparison Of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohlia and Rohit Sharma while taking Test Captaincy [Source: OneCricket]

India's Changing View Of Test Captaincy Assigment

Each of the three appointments represents different strategic viewpoints of teh Indian think tank. Virat Kohli was handed over the captaincy based on the immense promise he was showing and his brilliant displays in Australia. Rohit Sharma was an experienced player and had well profound performances in ODI format when he took over the role in Test cricket.

The appointment of Shubman Gill shows that the Indian management is looking ahead. In this case, the stress seems to be on building a core that would last the test of the time, rather than statistcal perpesctive or the credibility of the player in the format. 

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