'He is ready to lead in all three formats' - Shivam Mavi backs U19 teammate Shubman Gill to take up India's all-format captaincy [Exclusive]

In an exclusive conversation with CricTracker, Indian pacer Shivam Mavi backed his long-time friend and 2018 U19 World Cup teammate Shubman Gill to take over India’s all-format captaincy in the coming years.

Mavi and Gill both were part of India’s victorious U19 campaign in 2018, and they also made their T20I debuts in the same match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in 2023, with the pacer being handed cap No. 100, while the opener received cap No. 101. They also shared the same dressing room in IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, respectively. 

With Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests, Gill was handed the captaincy. In his very first assignment against England, he led India to a hard-fought 2-2 draw and, with his marathon knocks across five Tests, earned the Player of the Series award. His approach and ability to lead drew widespread praise. The right-handed batter was recently named the vice-captain of the Asia Cup squad. Mavi spoke about Gill being on course to take the leadership role in all formats of the game.

Excerpts

You’ve seen the rapid rise of your U19 teammate Shubman Gill. Do you think he should captain India across three formats?

He was very smart in terms of knowing very well on when to use his bowlers. When to bring the main bowler and take crucial wickets to change the game. He has matured a lot in the past few years, and BCCI has seen his maturity, and he was offered captaincy. I think he is ready to lead in all three formats.

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You’ve played with Shubman Gill closely. Do you think he has the capability to break Virat Kohli’s numbers and records across formats?

I feel he can do it. Technique-wise, Shubman Gill has matured a lot and has developed a wide range of shots. Comparisons are always difficult, because in their respective eras, players like Sachin Tendulkar sir and Virat bhai are true legends. But Shubman is on the same path, he has the potential to create his own records and write his own history for India.