Shubman Gill's away Test Record interrogated before Test Captaincy appointment
Published - 12 May 2025, 03:42 PM | Updated - 12 May 2025, 05:04 PM
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The Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra slammed Shubman Gill's ability to become India's new red-ball skipper as his records are just poor outside Asia. Chopra acknowledged Gill's skills on the ground, but he has yet to prove himself in the red-ball format outside Asia.
Chopra shared a video on his YouTube channel and said that the unavailability of Jasprit Bumrah to play all Test matches in England is the main reason for electing Gill as the new captain of the Indian Test side.
After two Indian veterans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, announced their retirement from Test cricket, it will be a huge task for Gill to lead the Indian side well. India will be touring England for a five-match Test series in June 2025.
Shubman Gill's Test Record Outside Asia
Shubman Gill hasn't performed in Test cricket outside Asia, as he just averages 25.4 in 24 innings outside Asia. The young batter hasn't scored a single century outside Asia, but he has played some important innings, like 91 runs against Australia in the Gabba.
Gill has everything to prove in the next Test series against England. In the last tour of England, Gill got a single chance in the series and scored just 17 and 4 runs in two innings.
Aakash Chopra highlighted the same numbers as Shubman Gill in the red-ball format outside Asia. Gill showcased his talent in the white-ball format but is still middling in the red-ball format.
"It's been heard that Jasprit Bumrah has said that he cannot play all five Tests. If that's true, you cannot make him the captain. You have to go in a different direction. Forget the frontrunner, it seems like Shubman Gill's appointment has happened. You will get the confirmation on May 23," Aakash Chopra stated on his channel.
"If we see Shubman Gill's numbers, they aren't very good. He has an average of 35 in the last five years, which is not ideal. So it could be a massive assignment for him, as you have gone with a captain who has been awesome in ODI cricket, isn't part of the T20I team, and Test cricket is still going middling. He still has to score runs outside Asia," Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra predicts next vice-captain for India in Tests
Aakash Chopra also opened up about the Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant might be the deputy of Gill in the England tour. Pant is one of the rare Indian batters who is performing constantly in the red-ball format.
Pant is also India's highest run-scorer in the last five years and also a key batter in overseas conditions. He has scored 2948 runs in 43 Tests and might be in contention for the Indian skipper race also.
India vs England five-Test match series
India will tour England for a five-Test match series in 2025. The tour will commence on June 20 in Leeds. Edgbaston, The Lord's, Emirates Old Trafford, and Kennington Oval will host the other four Test matches.
Also read: Mohammad Kaif reveals what forced Virat Kohli to announce shocking Test Retirement
