Shubman Gill faces scrutiny as India’s ODI captain

Shubman Gill’s ODI captaincy faces heat after series losses and poor batting form; July’s England tour may decide his leadership future

Shubman Gill’s tenure as India’s ODI captain has quickly come under the spotlight, with questions being raised about both his leadership and batting form. Once hailed as the “next Kohli,” Gill now finds himself struggling to justify the faith placed in him by selectors.

Rocky Start to Captaincy

Gill was handed the ODI captaincy ahead of the Australia series, a move that surprised many given Rohit Sharma’s proven record as a leader. Expectations were high, but Gill’s first assignment ended in disappointment. India lost the series 2–1, despite salvaging a win in the final match. His second outing as captain, against New Zealand at home, was even more painful, as the visitors scripted history by defeating India on its own soil.

Batting Struggles

Gill’s personal form has mirrored his captaincy woes. In six matches as skipper, he has managed just 178 runs at an average of 29.66. The fluency and aggression that once defined his batting appear to have faded, raising concerns that the burden of captaincy is weighing him down.

Tactical Concerns

Critics argue that Gill has faltered in key areas such as bowling rotation, tactical planning, and overall game management. His leadership has been compared unfavorably to KL Rahul, who guided India to a series win against South Africa only weeks earlier. With the 2027 World Cup looming, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may be forced to reassess its leadership strategy.

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White-Ball Woes

Gill’s struggles are not confined to ODIs. His stint in T20 cricket was marked by repeated failures, leading to his omission from the T20 World Cup squad despite being named vice-captain earlier. Ironically, his Test performances remain strong, highlighting a puzzling contrast between formats.

Future at Stake

India’s next ODI assignment is scheduled for July in England, a series that could prove decisive for Gill’s future as captain. While it is unlikely that the BCCI will act immediately, continued failures may prompt a rethink. For now, Gill must rediscover his batting spark and prove he can shoulder the responsibility of leading India in the white-ball arena.

Also Read: All eyes on India’s T20 captain ahead of New Zealand series as batting form remains a major concern