Legendary spinner Anil Kumble mentioned on Monday that captaining the Indian cricket team is different from leading in franchise cricket, but Shubman Gill is capable of figuring it out as he prepares to take charge of the Test side.
The 25-year-old Gill will lead India as they begin their transition phase following the retirements of key players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, starting with the five-match tour of England next month.
“They are all capable, as evidenced by the way they play cricket,” Kumble said during a discussion with Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden, and Robin Uthappa at the Australian Summer of Cricket 2025-26 event.
When asked if he had any advice for the young Indian Test side, Kumble responded, “Captaincy for India is slightly different from captaining a franchise or state side; it comes with its own responsibilities and pressures. But I’m sure Shubman will figure it out and he is capable.”
Kumble acknowledged that it will be challenging to adjust to the absence of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin but noted it presents Gill with the opportunity to create his own legacy.
“Transition is inevitable and with the absence of three pillars of Indian cricket for a long period, it will be different for us as fans too when the Indian cricket team takes the field in the first Test without those three names,” he said.
“It will be different, and the dressing room will get used to it over time.”
“But it’s the start of a young team in a new WTC cycle, and I’m sure this team will aim to win and reach the final, hopefully securing the trophy one day. Shubman will try to create that kind of legacy,” Kumble added.
Kumble pointed out that while it won’t be easy for Kohli and Rohit to maintain their fitness levels for ODI cricket, their remaining careers should be celebrated.
ndia is set to play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia in October this year.
“It’s challenging to prepare for an ODI that’s six months away, regardless of who you are and the success you’ve had throughout your career,” Kumble said.
“But they are champion players, so they know how to manage it. It’s important to celebrate champion players as long as they play and appreciate their performances.”
He added, “Ideally, they would like to play until the 2027 World Cup, which they missed out on. We saw Australia holding the trophy in the 2023 World Cup.”
Kumble expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan’s chances to secure a place in the limited-overs side based on strong performances in England.
“Virat and Rohit, who are no longer playing in other formats, will certainly want to make a mark, and many people would want to watch that in Australia,” he said.
“I believe someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Sai Sudharsan will make it to that team based on their performances in England, and they’ll be players to watch out for.”
