Former India batsman Abhinav Mukund has voiced strong reservations about appointing Shubman Gill as India’s captain across all three formats. Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan after India’s disappointing Test defeat in Kolkata—where Gill also suffered a neck injury—Mukund acknowledged Gill’s talent but insisted that Indian cricket would benefit far more from a split-captaincy model.
Mukund noted that the modern cricket calendar is heavily packed, making it increasingly difficult for any one player to manage leadership duties in all formats. While he believes Gill has the potential to become an all-format leader someday, he argued that the burden could negatively affect the youngster’s performance. Gill has already taken charge of India’s Test and ODI teams, a responsibility that Mukund feels places him under immense pressure, especially at this early stage of his leadership journey.
Split Captaincy Ideal for Modern Cricket
According to Mukund, handling different formats under separate captains is a “smart move” in today’s game. He stressed that overloading one player with multi-format responsibility could prove counterproductive, particularly when India is undergoing a transition phase with new leaders emerging.
South Africa Series a Major Test for Shubman Gill
Mukund also highlighted the upcoming home Test series against South Africa as a key challenge for Gill. He noted that expectations are always sky-high when India plays at home, leaving little room for error. The series, he said, will be crucial in evaluating Gill’s leadership temperament and ability to handle pressure.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Guwahati.
