R Ashwin opened up on Shubman Gill's elevation to vice-captaincy |courtesy - AP/ screengrab
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- R Ashwin opened up on Shubman Gill's elevation as vice-captain
- Gill will be Rohit Sharma's deputy at the Champions Trophy
- Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul were snubbed for the role
Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on India's decision to name Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Gill retained the role after his elevation to the role in the Sri Lanka series last year despite the presence of KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah in the squad.
Although Gill led the country in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe last year, he has limited captaincy experience. The 25-year-old has never played in ODI cricket, and Ashwin revealed he was apprehensive about the decision due to the opening batter's inexperience in the top job and expressed concern over a situation where Gill has to lead the team if Rohit Sharma gets injured. The Indian cricket legend declared a leadership vacuum in the national team.
"These are very big shoes to fill. Let me be very honest here. If Rohit is injured and Shubman has to captain the Champions Trophy. I will look at him with tears in my eyes. He has also captained Gujarat Titans. He is very young in his strides as a captain. In the U-19 World Cup, Prithvi Shaw led the team, but Shubman Gill did not." said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
"I am looking at it as a forward-looking move. Yes, it is arguable. Yes, it is debate but it is not absurd. I have been saying this many times. There is a leadership vacuum in Indian cricket. If Rohit, Virat, or Bumrah are not there, there is a leadership vacuum.
"I have seen them from close quarters. They were on their learning ropes. Basics have to be taught to them. Under Rohit Sharna, this grooming opportunity is a blessing for him. It is also a directive. There is also a potential junior in Rishabh Pant. Maybe he is not in the leadership zone. Shubman Gill is listening. Shubman Gill has the potential. He wants to learn. Maybe there is intrinsic feedback from the team one knows that. I cannot break everything and say. So from that angle, maybe let's try him," Ashwin added.
Ashwin retired from international cricket last month during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The veteran spinner was part of the dressing room ever since Gill made his Test debut in December 2020 against Australia.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
