He Doesn’t Have One Ton Outside Subcontinent: Sidhu on Gill’s Captaincy Rumours
The cricket world has been abuzz with rumors of a potential change in India’s Test captaincy with Shubman Gill being touted as a possible replacement for Rohit Sharma, who has announced his retirement from Tests. While many have praised Gill’s impressive performances with the bat, former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has raised some concerns about the young batsman’s ability to lead the team outside the subcontinent.
Speaking to the media, Sidhu expressed his doubts about Gill’s captaincy credentials, citing his poor record outside the Indian subcontinent. “Gill’s record outside the subcontinent is not that great,” Sidhu said. “He averages just 25 and doesn’t have a single century outside the subcontinent.”
Sidhu’s comments are likely to spark a heated debate about Gill’s captaincy potential, with many fans and experts already divided on the issue. While some argue that Gill’s impressive domestic and international record make him an ideal candidate for the captaincy, others point to his lack of experience in leadership roles and his relatively poor record outside the subcontinent.
Gill has indeed struggled to replicate his success in the subcontinent on foreign soil. In 13 Test matches played outside the subcontinent, Gill has scored just 344 runs at an average of 25.27, with a highest score of 47. In comparison, his record in the subcontinent is far more impressive, with 1,444 runs at an average of 45.87 in 13 Tests.
Despite his reservations about Gill’s record outside the subcontinent, Sidhu did not entirely rule out the possibility of the young batsman leading the team. “If you make Gill captain, I’ll advocate for it,” he said, suggesting that he would support the decision if the team management and selectors were convinced of Gill’s ability to lead the team.
Sidhu’s comments are likely to spark a fresh debate about the criteria for selecting a Test captain. While some argue that a captain’s record in Tests is the most important factor, others believe that other qualities such as leadership skills, tactical awareness, and ability to motivate the team are equally important.
In recent years, India has had a mix of captains who have led the team to success in different conditions. Virat Kohli, for example, was known for his aggressive style and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, while Ajinkya Rahane has been praised for his tactical acumen and ability to lead the team in difficult situations.
Gill, on the other hand, has a more attacking style and is known for his ability to play aggressively in the subcontinent. While this has served him well in Indian conditions, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to the challenges of playing in foreign conditions, where the pitches are often more difficult and the opposition more formidable.
Ultimately, the decision to appoint Gill as India’s new Test captain will depend on a variety of factors, including his performances in the coming months, his ability to lead the team in different conditions, and the team management’s assessment of his leadership skills.
One thing is certain, however: the debate about Gill’s captaincy potential is unlikely to die down in the coming weeks and months. As the speculation continues to swirl, fans and experts will be closely watching Gill’s performances on the field, eager to see if he has what it takes to lead India to success in the longest format of the game.
