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'As The Next Batting Legend Of The Country': Ex-Selector On Shubman Gill Replacing Rohit Sharma

image-lj57binrShubman Gill has played 46 Internationals for India since 2019 [AP Photo]

India's new sensation Shubman Gill has been having a phenomenal 2023. Firstly, slamming centuries for India at a brisk pace across formats, and secondly winning the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for scoring 890 runs. 

Gill, who gained fame in the Under-19 ICC World Cup 2018, was a late entrant into the Indian side and has managed to live up to the expectations. With Rohit Sharma's time as Test skipper in question following India's loss against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023, the Gujarat Titans' player name has cropped up as a potential candidate. 

However, former Team India selector Bhupinder Singh Sr, believes that Gill is right on track to become India's next "batting sensation", but urged people to wait on his leadership skills.

Singh Sr served in the men's national selection committee between 2005 and 2008. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Singh Sr stated that Gill first needs to cement his place in the XI, then other things will follow. 

Here's what Singh Sr said

"I will not rush him at this juncture because we want to see him as the next batting legend of the country. If things go well, which I am sure will, he can be the next batting sensation from this country. He has that game, aura and personality. In that process, later on, we can see him develop as a good captain also."

"First thing is he should hold his place in the team whatever format you are picking him for. You are sure that for the next couple of years, he will not be a liability in the team. The captain has to be able to pull his weight in the team."

Gill will be seen in action for India when they tour West Indies next month for a two-Test, three One-Day Internationals (ODI), and five T20 Internationals (T20I) series.