If you’re a die-hard cricket fan, you know that leadership in Indian cricket is more than just a title—it’s a legacy, a responsibility, and often, a subject of heated debate. For years, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stood firm against the idea of split captaincy, believing that one leader should guide the team across all formats.
But as of May 2025, the winds of change have swept through Indian cricket. The BCCI has made a dramatic U-turn, appointing three different captains for three formats: Shubman Gill for Tests, Rohit Sharma for ODIs, and Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) for T20Is. This move marks a significant shift in Indian cricket’s leadership philosophy and has set the stage for a new era.
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The Journey: From One Captain to Three
To appreciate the significance of this change, let’s rewind a bit. In December 2021, Virat Kohli was removed as ODI captain after stepping down from T20I leadership. At that time, then-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was clear: India could not have two white-ball captains.
The logic was simple—consistency in leadership would ensure stability and clarity in the team’s approach. Ironically, Ganguly himself had once advocated for split captaincy, only to later oppose it. The BCCI’s stance was unwavering: one captain, one vision.
But cricket, like life, is full of surprises. As stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli began stepping away from certain formats, the BCCI found itself at a crossroads. The team was entering a transition phase, and the old model no longer fit the new reality. The need for fresh leadership became apparent, and the BCCI had to adapt.
Meet the New Leaders: Gill, Rohit, and SKY
Today, the Indian cricket team is led by three distinct personalities, each bringing their own strengths to the table.
Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, is seen as the torchbearer for the next generation. His calm demeanor and technical prowess have earned him respect, even if his journey in Tests and T20Is has had its ups and downs.
Rohit Sharma, the experienced ODI captain, remains at the helm as India eyes the next World Cup. His leadership has already delivered two major titles, and his ability to mentor young players is invaluable during this transition.
Suryakumar Yadav, or SKY as fans affectionately call him, is the dynamic T20I captain. Known for his innovative batting and fearless approach, SKY is tasked with defending India’s T20 World Cup title next year.
This trio represents a blend of youth, experience, and innovation. But why did the BCCI finally embrace split captaincy after years of resistance?
Why the Sudden Change? Timing and Necessity
The answer lies in timing and necessity. With Rohit and Kohli stepping back from Tests and T20Is, the BCCI needed to ensure a smooth transition without overburdening any single player.
Jasprit Bumrah, arguably India’s best all-format player, was ruled out of captaincy due to injury concerns and workload management. The board needed leaders who could focus on specific formats, nurture young talent, and maintain India’s competitive edge.
Shubman Gill, despite his youth, was seen as a natural choice for Test captaincy. He’s also the vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, positioning him as the likely all-format leader in the future. For now, though, the BCCI views split captaincy as a temporary, pragmatic solution rather than a long-term strategy.
The Shubman Gill Question: Is He Ready for the Big Stage?
While Gill’s rise has been meteoric—especially in ODIs and the IPL—his performances in Tests and T20Is have been less consistent. At 25, he averages 35.05 in Tests and 30.42 in T20Is, respectable but not yet elite. He’s faced setbacks, including being dropped from key Test matches and missing out on T20I selections since July 2024.
This inconsistency has led some to question whether Gill is ready to lead across all formats. The BCCI, however, remains confident. As one senior official explained, “It’s not a lack of confidence. If it were so, he would not have been made the Test captain and vice-captain in the other two formats. When the time comes, he will lead in all formats.”
The Role of Mentors and the Leadership Pipeline
One of the most encouraging aspects of this transition is the support system around Gill. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both legends of the game, are actively mentoring him in ODIs. In T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya provide guidance and stability. Rishabh Pant, another rising star, serves as vice-captain in Tests and is part of the leadership group in other formats.
This collaborative approach ensures that no single player is overburdened, and the next generation of leaders is groomed in a supportive environment. With the modern cricket calendar more packed than ever, this distributed leadership model could be the key to sustained success.
What’s Next? The Future of Indian Cricket Leadership
The BCCI’s U-turn on split captaincy is, by their own admission, a stop-gap measure. The ultimate goal is to have a single, all-format captain—most likely Shubman Gill—once he’s fully established himself in every format. Until then, the current arrangement allows each captain to focus on their strengths, manage workloads, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
For fans, this is an exciting time. The next generation of Indian cricket is being shaped before our eyes, with young stars like Gill, Pant, and SKY stepping into leadership roles. The mentorship of veterans like Rohit and Kohli ensures that the team’s rich legacy is preserved while new chapters are written.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change for a Brighter Tomorrow
Change is never easy, especially in a cricket-obsessed nation like India. But the BCCI’s willingness to adapt, experiment, and trust in young talent bodes well for the future. As Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav lead India into a new era, fans can look forward to a team that’s not just competitive, but also resilient, innovative, and united.
Stay tuned—Indian cricket’s leadership story is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.
FAQ:-
Why Shubman Gill captain?
Shubman Gill has been named the new captain of the Indian Test team, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. The decision was influenced by Rahul Dravid’s endorsement of Gill’s leadership abilities amid the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Who is the test captain of India in 2025?
Shubman Gill was named captain of the Indian Test team after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming tour of England. India will embark on a five-match Test series, which begins on June 20 at Leeds.
