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Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has lauded the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new Test captain, unequivocally calling him the “perfect candidate” to steer the team into its next chapter. Dhawan’s resounding endorsement comes as Gill gears up to lead India for the first time in the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to commence on June 20.
Shikhar Dhawan backs Shubman Gill as Team India captain
Dhawan, a voice of considerable respect and experience in Indian cricket circles, commended the selectors’ judicious decision to entrust the captaincy to the 25-year-old Gill, particularly in the wake of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format of the game. “I feel it’s a great choice,” Dhawan stated, his confidence in Gill palpable. “Shubman has performed really well in the IPL recently. He is a great talent and has matured — he’s been playing for the Indian team for several years now. I feel he’s the perfect candidate to take on the Test captaincy, and I’m sure he will handle it well and lead the team together.”
Dhawan specifically highlighted Gill’s recent captaincy stint with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), noting how his adeptness at guiding a young team through high-pressure scenarios bodes exceptionally well for his elevated role on the international stage. “This is the new generation now — Gen Z — and I’m confident he’ll do a great job. All my best wishes to him,” Dhawan added, underlining Gill’s potential to foster a cohesive and dynamic team environment through his understanding of contemporary players.
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Shubman Gill: 5th youngest to become India’s Test captain
Gill’s ascension to the Test captaincy marks a significant juncture for Indian cricket. At just 25, he becomes the country’s 37th Test captain and joins an elite list as the fifth youngest to hold the prestigious post, following in the illustrious footsteps of cricketing legends such as Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri. The task ahead for Gill is undoubtedly formidable. India will embark on their crucial tour of England without the invaluable experience of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both have recently opted to step back from Test cricket, leaving a considerable void.
Despite his relatively limited experience in red-ball captaincy, having led in only five first-class matches, Dhawan and a growing chorus of cricket observers firmly believe that Gill’s composed temperament and innate cricketing intelligence will serve him admirably in this challenging role.
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