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"Leading India Is Different" Ex-Coach Assesses Shubman Gill's Captaincy Appointment

Akshita Patel

Anil Kumble on Shubman Gill's Test captaincy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @Deva1785512/X.com]Anil Kumble on Shubman Gill's Test captaincy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @Deva1785512/X.com]

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has backed India’s newest Test captain, Shubman Gill. In a talk show organised by Cricket Australia, Kumble said Gill is ready to lead India in white-ball cricket, but leading the country is certainly more difficult than captaining a franchise in IPL.

Gill, 25, was named India’s new-age Test captain earlier this month. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the format, the selectors chose Gill to succeed them on their upcoming tour to England.

While many have reservations about Gill’s choice due to his lack of experience, Anil Kumble has reasons to back the young star.

Anil Kumble Backs Shubman Gill For Captaincy Role

Amid widespread debate, former India captain Anil Kumble has shown strong support for Shubman Gill, saying the 25-year-old is “capable” of leading the Indian cricket team in the upcoming five-Test series in England, starting June 20 in Leeds.

While Gill has experience captaining in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, Kumble pointed out that leading Team India comes with more pressure and bigger responsibilities.

“I think captaincy for India is slightly different from captaining a franchise or any state side; it comes with its own responsibilities and pressures. But I’m sure Shubman will figure it out, and I think he is capable. They (India’s young team) are all capable — you’ve seen that with the kind of cricket they play and the brand of cricket they represent,” Kumble said on fireside chat of Australia Summer of Cricket 2025-26, organised by JioStar, Cricket Australia, and the Australian Government.

Kumble also said the upcoming series will feel unusual for fans because some legendary players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravi Ashwin, will not be part of the squad. He called them the “three pillars of Indian cricket” and acknowledged that their absence marks a significant transition for the team.

"Transition is bound to happen, and with three pillars of Indian cricket not available, it’s going to be different, for us as fans too—when the Indian team takes the field in the first Test and those three names aren’t there. That's something I'm sure the dressing room will get used to," he added.

Former Selector Surprised With Gill’s Captaincy Appointment

Meanwhile, former India selector Dilip Vengsarkar called Shubman Gill’s appointment as Test captain a “brave decision,” while noting the 25-year-old lacks experience for a tough England tour. He felt selectors thought carefully, and Bumrah’s injury may have ruled him out. Vengsarkar added it’s a golden chance for Gill. Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain.