Anil Kumble Backs Shubman Gill to Thrive as India’s Test Captain in New Era
In a candid discussion at the Australian Summer of Cricket 2025-26 event in Mumbai on Monday, former Indian captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Indian cricket. With Shubman Gill, the dynamic 25-year-old batter, set to take the reins as India’s Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England, Kumble expressed optimism about Gill’s potential to navigate the unique challenges of leading the national side.
Kumble, who himself led India in 14 Tests between 2007 and 2008, highlighted the distinct pressures of captaining the Indian team compared to franchise or state-level cricket. ‘Captaining India is a different beast altogether compared to leading a franchise or state side. It carries immense responsibility and pressure due to the expectations of over a billion fans. However, I’m confident Shubman will adapt and excel in this role,’ he said.
The conversation also touched on the significant transition in Indian cricket following the Test retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. ‘For so long, these three have been the pillars of Indian cricket. Their absence in the Test arena will feel unusual for fans and players alike when the team steps onto the field for the first Test against England. But transitions are inevitable, and it’s time for a new chapter,’ Kumble remarked, reflecting on the trio’s monumental contributions.
Despite the void left by these legends, Kumble sees a bright future with Gill at the helm. ‘This marks the beginning of a young and vibrant team, coinciding with a fresh cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). I’m sure this squad, under Shubman’s leadership, will aim to dominate the cycle, reach the final, and bring home the trophy. Gill has the chance to carve out a lasting legacy,’ he added with hope.
Shifting focus to the players continuing in other formats, Kumble addressed the challenges facing Kohli and Sharma, who remain active in ODIs. ‘It’s tough for even the greatest players to manage formats with long gaps. Preparing for an ODI series months down the line requires meticulous planning. But as champion players, they know how to handle such demands. We must celebrate their contributions rather than over-analyze every performance,’ he noted. Kumble also expressed hope that both players aim for the 2027 ODI World Cup, referencing their disappointment in the 2023 final loss to Australia, where they fell short of lifting the trophy.
Looking ahead to India’s packed schedule, including three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia in October this year, Kumble pointed to potential stars who could shine. ‘Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Virat and Rohit make their mark Down Under. Additionally, young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan are ones to watch. Sai, in particular, has shown promise, and I believe his performances in England could secure him a spot in the limited-overs setup,’ he predicted. In the T20 format, Kumble singled out Suryakumar Yadav as a key player, while also hinting at an uncapped IPL performer possibly breaking into the squad. ‘The selectors won’t overlook the exceptional IPL talent we’ve witnessed recently. An uncapped player could well be a surprise inclusion for Australia,’ he teased.
As Indian cricket stands at a crossroads, Kumble’s insights offer a blend of nostalgia for the departing legends and excitement for the emerging talent. With Shubman Gill poised to lead a new-look Test side and veterans like Kohli and Sharma eyeing unfinished business in ODIs, the road ahead promises to be riveting. Will Gill rise to the occasion and script a golden chapter in India’s Test history? Only time will tell, but if Kumble’s confidence is anything to go by, Indian fans have much to look forward to.