Ravi Shastri Names Gill and Pant as India’s Future Test Captains
Shastri Suggests Future Captains for India
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on the debate surrounding India’s next Test captain, advocating for the development of youngsters like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.
Bumrah’s Captaincy Concerns
While Shastri acknowledges that Jasprit Bumrah would have been the natural choice after the Australia series, he expresses reservations about adding captaincy duties to the pace bowler’s already heavy workload. Bumrah’s recent back injury and the demanding nature of Test cricket, Shastri argues, make it crucial to prioritize Bumrah’s bowling form.
Shastri notes, “I think he (Bumrah) has to take his body one game at a time. He is coming back now after a serious injury. He will have played IPL cricket, which is four-over cricket. Now will come the test of bowling 10 overs, 15 overs. And the last thing you want is some pressure on his mind being captain as well.”
Gill and Pant: The Future Leaders
Instead, Shastri believes that Gill and Pant possess the necessary qualities and experience to lead India in the future. He highlights their age, leadership experience in the IPL, and the potential they have to lead for a decade or more.
Shastri states, “You groom somebody, and I would say Shubman’s looked very good. Give him the opportunity. He is 25, 26 years of age, even give him time. There is Rishabh as well. I think these two are the obvious ones I am looking at because of their age, and they have a decade ahead of them. So, let them learn.”
Gill’s Overseas Potential
Shastri addresses concerns about Gill’s overseas form, emphasizing that the young batter needs time and opportunities to find success away from home. He cites Gill’s recent performances as vice-captain and captain in Zimbabwe as evidence of his leadership abilities.
Shastri concludes, “He has a decade of cricket ahead of him for the country. And I am sure he will get cracking in one of the tours, he will make up for all those runs he’s not got on earlier.”
