Shubman Gill Records: Know Test, ODI, T20 Stats Of India's New Red Ball Skipper

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday appointed Shubman Gill as India's new Test captain. Shubman Gill became India's 37th skipper, who will now lead the Indian cricket team in red-ball cricket.

Despite having an average of 35 from 32 Test matches, the BCCI sees Gill as the ideal candidate for leading the team. This decision reflects the board's long-term vision and confidence in Gill's leadership abilities, as highlighted by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Gill's current role as vice-captain in One Day Internationals (ODIs) also underscores his growing importance within the team's hierarchy.

Ajit Agarkar, during the press conference where the Test squad was unveiled, shed light on the rigorous selection process for the captaincy role. Over the past year, Gill has been under consideration, with his performance and potential being closely monitored. Agarkar emphasized the importance of selecting a captain with a vision for the future rather than for short-term successes. "You don't pick captains for one tour or two tours. We've seen some progress over the last year or two with him. No doubt it's going to be as tough as it gets," Agarkar remarked, signaling the board's belief in Gill's capabilities to navigate the challenges ahead.

Gill's Cricketing Prowess

In his Test career so far, Shubman Gill has notched up 1,893 runs across 32 matches, showcasing his talent with 5 centuries and 7 fifties. His ability to hit the ball cleanly is evident from the 210 boundaries and 31 sixes he has to his name in the longest format of the game.

Beyond Tests, Gill has also made significant contributions in ODIs, amassing 2,787 runs in 55 matches with an impressive strike rate of 99.6, including 8 centuries and 15 half-centuries.

His T20 record is equally commendable, with Gill scoring 3,852 runs in 116 matches, highlighted by 4 centuries and 26 fifties.

The decision to sideline Jasprit Bumrah from the captaincy contention due to his limited availability for the upcoming five Tests in England further underscored the selectors' preference for a captain who can lead from the front across all matches. Agarkar confirmed, "Don't think he'll be available for all five Tests," thus excluding Bumrah from the race. However, he mentioned Bumrah's crucial role in the squad, stating, "Even if he's fit for 3-4 Tests, he'll be an asset for us. Just happy he's part of the squad."