Shubman Gill Is Someone Who Will Inspire Performances: Robin Uthappa

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa and former South African batter Gary Kirsten feel the selectors made the right decision by appointing Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain. The 25-year-old’s first assignment will be the challenging five-match Test series in England, starting on June 20.

“You have got to give tops to that selection committee because they have gone with foresight. Shubman is just 24 or 25. If he gets this right, he could lead India for the next 10 years. That leaves Indian cricket in great hands because he is a high-quality bat,” Uthappa said on Star Sports, reported the Times of India.

Gill, who replaces now-retired Rohit Sharma as India’s next Test skipper, has led India in five T20Is but has never done the same in Test cricket. The right-handed batter has been leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two years. Under his leadership, GT qualified for the playoffs in the IPL 2025.

“The intensity with which he functioned, the decisions he made, the way he stood up for teammates — all those qualities matter in a leader. He’s someone who will inspire performances. Give him time before judging him,” added Uthappa.

Kirsten, who has worked with Gill at GT, also feels the young batter has all the ingredients to be a successful Test captain. “He is a smart cricketer with a deep understanding of the game. He is diligent in preparation and training — he’ll lead by example.

“Shubman has the raw materials to become a really good leader. I think he is primed to take the international scene by storm.”