The BCCI recently announced India’s squad for the three-match T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka starting July 27. Gautam Gambhir’s very first task as the Indian coach would be to take on the Sanath Jayasuriya’s Lankan Lions in their own backyard.
One of the major highlights from the squad release proved to be Shubhman Gill’s appointment as the vice-captain for both T20I and ODI formats against Sri Lanka.
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Gill recently made his captaincy debut as he led the young Indian contingent for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. After a shock loss in his debut match as captain, Gill’s men pulled off a brilliant comeback by comfortably winning the next four games.
Gill’s debut series as captain proved to be a success overall with the batter also finishing as the top-scorer of the tournament. Impressed by the 24-year-old’s leadership skills, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour praised the youngster for his work, even comparing him to the greats.
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What did former India batting coach Vikram Rathour say about Shubman Gill?
Rathour revealed that he was impressed by Gill’s game awareness, stating that it was quite an uncommon trait in young cricketers. Rathour further revealed that Gill understood the conditions perfectly and adapted according to them, never shying away from any challenges.
The former coach also went on to compare the 24-year-old to the greats of the game in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rathour believes that captaincy duty brought out the best out of Kohli and Rohit, and we could witness a similar case with Gill.
I feel captaincy brought the best out of Virat and Rohit and I feel it will do the same for Shubman. Although he is not yet the captain, being in the leadership group will bring the best out of him as well. When you are in that role, leading others, it gives you that extra bit of responsibility, which is good and I think is great for a young kid like Shubman, who one day might lead India in all three formats
Rathour seemed to be very pleased by Gill's performances and also had faith that the youngster would be capable enough of leading the team in all three formats. However, Gill’s father, Lakhwinder Gill has advised his son to focus on his batting and to not get hampered by the pressure of captaincy duties.
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