'Important to know the engine of the train' - Former cricketer on BCCI's logic behind handing captaincy to Shubman Gill

The BCCI made Shubman Gill the captain of Indian men's cricket team, following the abrupt retirement of Rohit Sharma in Tests. The side is currently coached by the former India batter Gautam Gambhir and there is a lot of confusion between the fans and experts alike that who is the actual leader in the dressing room. Attacking all-rounder Irfan Pathan has recently answered the query, analysing the current situation within the Indian set-up.

Pathan says that the BCCI should seek clear communication in their way forward with Gambhir and Gill at the helm of affairs. The Baroda-born feels that whoever may be the person in charge, it is critical for everyone to know who the engine of the train is, meaning who is actually taking the team ahead. Pathan further feels that Gill still has a lot to learn as India's captain, but what he has done in his first assignment has been nothing short of impressive.

“I think the message should go out loud and clear to every player – more than the media or the fans – that who the engine of this train is, so that the train reaches a single destination, no matter the speed. Shubman Gill’s captaincy will get better with time, he’ll learn the art of leadership more, but what he already has done is great,” the cricketer-turned-commentator told RevSportz.

“The selection committee had a discussion with him, that as soon as he gets free from Test cricket, you will get yourself back. There are a lot of questions in the media, I understand, but Indian cricket goes according to a plan and that’s how it has always been. Selection board, management has the responsibility and I think that going in one direction is important. And this is what it seems like Indian cricket is doing with Shubman Gill right now,” Pathan added. 

Too Good to Ignore: Shubman Gill

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Too Good to Ignore: Shubman Gill

Speaking of Gill's captaincy, he is expected to be back at his job during the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home. India will be hosting the Caribbean side for a couple of red-ball encounters, with the first one set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The series will commence on October 2, and will also be India's first home series for Gill as India's Test skipper.