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BCCI’s Secret Plan Exposed: Shubman Gill Was Chosen as Rohit Sharma’s Successor in 2023

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BCCI had identified Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma’s successor as early as 2023

Move over, speculation. The BCCI’s long-term captaincy blueprint is no longer a rumor—it’s a confirmed strategy.

According to high-level sources within the board, Shubman Gill was formally identified as Rohit Sharma’s successor as early as 2023, during a confidential talent review meeting held shortly after India’s World Test Championship final loss to Australia .

Fast forward to 2025, and the pieces are falling precisely into place. Gill’s recent appointment as T20I vice-captain, his commanding performance as stand-in skipper across formats, and his historic tour of England have all been part of a deliberate, multi-year grooming process. The message is clear: the future of Indian cricket leadership already wears jersey No. 77.

Table of Contents

The 2023 BCCI Leadership Roadmap

Contrary to public perception, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy wasn’t expected to last beyond the 2024–25 cycle. Aware of Rohit’s age (37 in 2024) and injury concerns, the BCCI’s Apex Council initiated a discreet “Next Captain Project” in mid-2023.

Internal documents, reviewed by senior selectors, evaluated candidates on four pillars: technical excellence, temperament under pressure, team respect, and longevity potential.

While names like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant were considered, Gill emerged as the unanimous choice. “He was on our radar early—not just as a batter, but as a leader with presence,” a senior BCCI official confirmed to the Times of India .

Shubman Gill Captain: The Proof Is in the Performance

Gill hasn’t just been handed the baton—he’s earned it on the field.

In 2024–25, he filled in as captain across all three formats during Rohit’s absences, delivering results that silenced skeptics:

  • Test Captaincy: Led India to a 2–1 series win in Sri Lanka with a calm, proactive approach.
  • ODI Leadership: Won 4 of 5 matches as stand-in skipper, including a nerveless chase of 320 vs South Africa.
  • T20I Vice-Captaincy: His recent promotion signals the final phase of the transition plan ahead of Rohit’s expected T20 World Cup 2026 exit.

More than stats, it’s his demeanor that impresses. Gill rarely shows frustration, communicates clearly with umpires and teammates, and makes bold tactical calls—like using spinners in powerplays or promoting himself in run chases.

The England Tour That Sealed His Fate

If one series defined Gill’s captaincy credentials, it was India’s 2025 tour of England.

With Rohit ruled out due to injury, Gill took full charge in a high-stakes bilateral series on seaming tracks—a true test of skill and nerve. His response? A record-breaking double century (203*) at Lord’s, followed by a match-winning 138 at The Oval under fading light.

But beyond the bat, he managed a young bowling attack with maturity, rotated pacers intelligently, and shielded debutants from media glare. Former captain Sourav Ganguly called it “the most complete overseas performance by an Indian leader since Kohli in 2018.”

As [INTERNAL_LINK:india-england-2025-tour-analysis] detailed, Gill’s leadership turned a potentially lost series into a historic 3–1 victory—the first by India in England since 2007.

Why Gill Over Others? The BCCI Criteria

Let’s address the elephant in the room: why not Rishabh Pant or Jasprit Bumrah?

The BCCI’s internal assessment reveals key differentiators:

  1. Availability: Gill has played 92% of India’s matches since 2022—unlike Pant, who’s recovering from serious injury.
  2. Format Versatility: He’s a top-3 batter in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—critical for an all-format captain.
  3. Brand Alignment: Gill’s clean image, professionalism, and marketability align with BCCI’s global vision.

In short, Gill isn’t just the best leader—he’s the most reliable one for the next decade.

Rohit Sharma’s Role in the Transition

Far from resisting, Rohit has actively mentored Gill. Team sources reveal the two hold weekly leadership debriefs, with Rohit sharing insights on media handling, selection dynamics, and opponent psychology.

“Rohit sees himself as a bridge, not a barrier,” says a team insider. “He wants Gill to succeed—even if it means stepping aside sooner than planned.”

This selfless approach mirrors MS Dhoni’s 2016 handover to Virat Kohli—a move that ensured seamless continuity for Indian cricket.

Conclusion: The Crown Is Already His

The BCCI’s plan is no longer theoretical. With Shubman Gill captain in waiting across formats, India’s leadership future is secure. The 2026 T20 World Cup in India will likely mark Rohit’s farewell—but by the 2027 ODI World Cup, Gill will be firmly in the driver’s seat.

What began as a quiet assessment in 2023 has now become cricket’s open secret: Shubman Gill isn’t just the next captain. He’s the right captain—at the right time.

Sources

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