Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has put forth his choices for potential future captains of the Indian cricket team. Currently led by Rohit Sharma, who took over the reins after Virat Kohli stepped down, Team India faces the inevitable need to identify suitable successors as Rohit enters the latter stages of his illustrious career at the age of 36.
Gavaskar, widely regarded as a legendary figure in the world of cricket, has highlighted three players as potential candidates to lead the Indian team in the future. The former opener suggested that Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Ishan Kishan possess the qualities and potential to take on the responsibility of captaincy.
Gill, an immensely talented young batter, has impressed cricket pundits and fans alike with his elegant strokeplay and sound technique. Gavaskar believes that Gill has the temperament and skillset required to lead the national side. The former India captain observed that by appointing Gill as the vice-captain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) can provide him with valuable exposure and a chance to develop his leadership skills.
Another player Gavaskar highlighted as a potential captaincy option was Axar. The left-arm spinner has showcased his all-round abilities and game intelligence during his international career. Gavaskar suggested that Axar should also be made a vice-captain, allowing him to gain experience and contribute to the team’s decision-making process.
Gavaskar’s third choice for a future captain was Kishan. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman has already made a mark in the limited-overs format, displaying his aggressive batting style and adaptability. Gavaskar opined that once Kishan establishes himself firmly in the national team, he could be considered as a candidate for captaincy.
The veteran cricketer stressed the importance of grooming young players and exposing them to leadership roles early in their careers. By making Gill and Axar vice-captains, Gavaskar feels that they will have the opportunity to learn and grow in their leadership capabilities. He emphasized that the Indian selectors should be proactive in identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the team.
“One is Shubman Gill and the other is Axar Patel [as future captains] because Axar comes in leaps and bounds, he just gets better every match. Giving him the responsibility as vice-captain will make them think. So, these are the two candidates in my view,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.
“If there are others, somebody like Ishan Kishan, once he cements his place in the team. He can come in the reckoning as well,” he added.
