“One day he might lead India in all three formats” – Vikram Rathour on Shubman Gill

Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has predicted that Shubman Gill might lead India in all three formats of the game. Gill recently led India to a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe and scored 170 runs to lead from the front.

The 24-year-old has also been appointed as the vice-captain in the white-ball formats, indicating that the selectors and board are seeing him as a future captain. Gill also led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 but the franchise failed to make it to the playoffs.

Speaking to Indian Express, Vikram Rathour said, “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. This is I am very sure off. 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 recalled the incident when he saw Shubman Gill bat for the first time in the nets and he was instantly impressed by the youngster’s talent.

“When I first saw him in the nets, my first impression was like everybody else’s. I saw exactly what a lot of people were talking about and spoke about his special talent. When the first time I saw him playing, the immediate thought that went into my mind was ‘whoa this kid is extremely talented’. He knew his game, he understood how he needs to bat in different situations and never shied away from challenges.”

Meanwhile, as Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from India’s Test team, Rathour revealed Gill himself wanted to bat at one down against England in the five-match home series. Gill scored 452 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 56.50 as he was able to grab his chance with both hands.

“The talk came from him. He felt that No. 3 was an ideal position for him to bat and the management group backed him. It was his decision which was backed by Rahul, myself and Rohit, and he turned it around in the England series.”

Gill will be seen in action on the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.