"One day he might lead India in all three formats" - Vikram Rathour on Shubman Gill

Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has earmarked Shubman Gill to lead India across formats one day due to his level-headedness. Rathour recalled being awestruck when he first saw the youngster in the nets, given the abundance of talent.

The right-handed batter has proven himself as a remarkable player across formats in the last 18 months. He especially had a brilliant run in ODIs in 2023, clattering 1584 runs in 29 matches, averaging 63.36.

Speaking to The Indian Express, the 55-year-old remembered how captaincy upgraded Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's gameplay. Hence, he expects the same to happen for Gill, claiming:

"I feel captaincy brought the best out of Virat and Rohit and I feel it will do the same for Shubman. Although, he is not yet the captain, being in the leadership group will bring the best out of him as well. This is I am very sure off. When you are in that role, leading others, it gives you that extra bit of responsibility, which is good and I think is great for a young kid like Shubman, who one day might lead India in all three formats."

Rathour also recalled getting impressed by Gill's understanding of the game after seeing him for the first time.

"When I first saw him in the nets, my first impression was like everybody else’s. I saw exactly what a lot of people were talking about and spoke about his special talent. When the first time I saw him playing, the immediate thought that went into my mind was ‘whoa this kid is extremely talented’. He knew his game, he understood how he needs to bat in different situations and never shied away from challenges."

The 24-year-old had a taste of captaincy as he led India to a 4-1 T20I series victory against Zimbabwe earlier this month. He is also the vice-captain in T20Is and ODIs moving forward.

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"He felt that No. 3 was an ideal position" - Vikram Rathour on Shubman Gill during England series

Shubman Gill. (Image Credits: Getty)

The former Punjab first-class batter also revealed how Gill took the initiative to bat at No. 3 during the Test series against England earlier this year and justified it. Rathour added:

"The talk came from him. He felt that No. 3 was an ideal position for him to bat and the management group backed him. It was his decision which was backed by Rahul, myself and Rohit, and he turned it around in the England series."

Gill finished the five-Test series with 452 runs at 56.50 two half-centuries and as many tons.