FROM PRINCE TO SKIPPER: Gill's ascent to India's hot seat

THE PUNJAB BATTER WILL HAVE HIS TASK CUT OUT LEADING THE SIDE IN THE FIVE-TEST SERIES AGAINST ENGLAND IN JUNE

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It wasn’t long ago that Shubman Gill was spoken of in whispers — the “next big thing”, the “prince in waiting”. But with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli putting an end to their illustrious careers, Gill now walks out not just as India’s premier young batter but as the new Test captain. And he does so with more than just promise on his side.

Gill's appointment isn’t a surprise; it’s the result of a carefully laid path. The selectors had signalled their intent by naming him Rohit’s deputy for the Champions Trophy. He responded with a commanding tournament, helping India reclaim the title in Dubai.

Then came the real test — the IPL — where Gill, leading Gujarat Titans in only his second season, combined tactical clarity with a purple patch at the top of the order. His unbeaten 93 in the Titans’ playoff-clinching win last week, taking his tally to 636 runs at 57.81, felt like the final seal on a growing case.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Yet, Gill is quick to separate the leader from the batter.

“I have talked about this a couple of times — when I’m batting, I want to play and think as a batsman, not as a captain,” he said recently. “At the back end last season, I learnt that.”