Captaincy in Indian cricket is not just a responsibility—it’s a reckoning. And for Shubman Gill, becoming India’s Test captain ahead of the high-stakes 5-match series against England is both a career milestone and a moment of truth.
Gill, undeniably talented and stylish, now finds himself at a crossroads. While his promise has never been in doubt, his Test numbers remain underwhelming when compared to the legends who once led India. After 32 Tests, he has scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05—a stat that doesn’t exactly scream dominance.
Contrast that with Rahul Dravid, who had over 2600 runs at 52.68 by the same stage. Ganguly stood at 2432 runs, averaging nearly 50. Sachin Tendulkar, the benchmark for batting excellence, had already crossed 2000 runs at 50.57. Even Virat Kohli, often under scrutiny early on, had posted 2354 runs at 44.41.
What makes Gill’s case trickier is his overseas record. While he averages a decent 42.03 at home, that figure drops to 25.57 outside India. In England specifically, his average is a mere 14.66 across three matches. Compare that to Tendulkar’s 61.25, Dravid’s 62.33, or Ganguly’s staggering 105 in England, and the gulf becomes clear.
Yet, captaincy has the power to transform. History has seen players rise to new levels when handed leadership—Virat Kohli’s turnaround post-2014 in England is a shining example. For Gill, this series is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to silence doubters and ignite a legacy.
He now carries the weight of expectation, not just to win matches, but to inspire performances. The spotlight will be relentless, the pressure immense. But if he can lead with conviction, and let his bat do the talking, Shubman Gill might just script a chapter that turns promise into greatness.
This is no longer about potential. This is about proving he belongs.
