Shubman Gill to Lead India in Sydney Test? Ex-Indian Cricketer Sparks Speculation: As the cricketing world gears up for the fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia, an intriguing possibility has emerged. Could Shubman Gill be leading the Indian team in the Sydney Test? A former Indian cricketer, Sreevats Goswami, sparked this speculation with a tweet referencing a visual from India’s practice session at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The tweet read:
“Going by a particular visual, Gill to lead India in Sydney Test? So India already looking ahead to the next WTC cycle. This will be interesting. #BorderGavaskarTrophy”
Speculation Arises from SCG Practice Session
Although Goswami did not specify the visual in question, it is believed to involve a moment where Gill was seen having a conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The visuals reportedly showed Gambhir patting Gill on the back before the young batter shook hands with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah. Gill later joined the slip cordon during a fielding drill, adding to the intrigue.
A Possible New Era in Indian Cricket
If true, Gill’s leadership in the Sydney Test could mark the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, particularly as the team prepares for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With Rohit Sharma’s availability for the Test still uncertain and the Indian team management tight-lipped on the matter, the mystery around the leadership role deepens.
Gill’s Recent Exclusion from the XI
Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the playing XI has been a topic of debate. The talented batter was benched during the fourth Test in Melbourne as captain Rohit Sharma returned to open the innings. Gill’s spot was filled by Washington Sundar, who came in as a third all-rounder to strengthen India’s bowling depth. Explaining the decision, Rohit clarified that Gill was not dropped but was sidelined due to the team’s specific requirements.
“The chat with him was that clearly he was not dropped. We just wanted to have that extra bit of cushion in the bowling, which shouldn’t weaken our bowling line-up. Compromising a batter for a bowler was not something I wanted to do,” Rohit said after the Melbourne Test.
Will Gill Return to the XI?
The only plausible way for Gill to return is if Rohit Sharma is left out of the XI. While the Indian captain has been crucial at the top of the order, ongoing uncertainty about his fitness or other factors could pave the way for Gill’s comeback.
The Bigger Picture
Gill’s potential elevation to captaincy for the Sydney Test could signal a significant shift in Indian cricket’s leadership strategy. As the team looks ahead to the next WTC cycle, grooming young leaders like Gill might be part of a broader vision to build a robust and adaptable squad for the future.
Whether the speculation turns into reality will only be confirmed when India announces its playing XI for the Sydney Test. Until then, cricket fans and analysts will closely watch the developments, as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues to capture the imagination of the cricketing world.