'Shubman Gill Is Your Next Captain...': Akash Chopra Explains Why India Star Is Ahead Of His Competitors
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Shubman Gill [X]
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his insights on the ongoing competition between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill for a place in India’s top order. While both players are considered future stars, Chopra believes that Gill has already pulled ahead, particularly in red-ball cricket.
Shubman Gill has been a regular part of the Indian team across formats, thanks to his consistent performances. He has solidified his place as a top-order batsman, showing maturity and skill. His stellar form has also made him a strong contender for India’s future captaincy. Having already played key roles in Test cricket, Gill’s reputation as a dependable opener is growing rapidly.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, another highly talented top-order batsman, was not selected for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Instead, the selectors have chosen to stick with Gill, leaving Gaikwad out of the squad. Chopra, in a recent video on his YouTube channel, commented on this, saying, “Shubman Gill has gone far ahead in the race.”
Aakash Chopra On Ruturaj's Place In India's Test Side
Chopra acknowledged Gaikwad’s fan base and praised his elegant batting technique. However, he emphasised that, at this moment, Gaikwad’s chances of breaking into the Test squad are slim, given how firmly Gill has established himself.
"He has a fan club now. A base has been created that likes Ruturaj Gaikwad, which is fair. Honestly, when Rutu bats - 'Dukh bhare din beete re bhaiya, ab sukh aayo re' - you get a feeling like that. You watch him playing drives with the straight bat, cut shots and pulls. He looks technically compact, batting like pure desi ghee," he said.
"However, what is happening with Ruturaj Gaikwad is that at this point, at least for another one to one-and-a-half years, he is at the wrong time. Shubman Gill has gone far ahead in that race. Whoever is attached to Indian cricket, whether it's the captain, coaches or selectors, everyone has decided that Shubman Gill is your next captain and superstar," Chopra added.
Gill has also taken on leadership responsibilities, having captained India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where the team secured a 4-1 win.
His leadership, along with his role as vice-captain during other series, has only strengthened his standing within the Indian setup. With selectors and coaches backing him, Gill’s future as a captain seems promising.
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