Before the WTC Cycle 2025–2027 began, Anil Kumble discussed the possibility of Shubman Gill taking over as the new Indian Test captain after veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. Leading a franchise or a state team is not the same as being the captain of India, according to the former Indian coach.
The former Indian captain said that being an Indian captain comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure. But Kumble thought Gill could figure out what needed to be done. Kumble believed that the younger players in the Indian Test lineup played a style of cricket that was appropriate for the Tests and supported them all to lead the team.
“I believe that leading India as captain has some obligations and demands that are a little different than leading a franchise or any state team. But Shubman is capable, and I have no doubt that he will figure it out. “The type of cricket they play and the brand of cricket they represent show that they (India’s young team) are all capable,” Kumble stated during the fireside discussion during the Australia Summer of Cricket 2025–2026, which was organised by Jiostar.
Anil Kumble said, “I’m sure the dressing room will get used to” the veterans’ absence.
After that, he discussed the period of transition that India is going through. When the team’s three mainstays—Rohit, Virat, and Ravichandran Ashwin—are unavailable, the former Indian bowler said, things will be different. But he ended by stating that the new Indian team will eventually adjust to it.
Transition is inevitable, and when the Indian team plays in the first Test match without those three names, it will be different for us as fans as well because those three cornerstones of Indian cricket are now unavailable. The dressing room will undoubtedly adjust to it,” Kumble continued.
In their backyard, India will begin its WTC Cycle 2025–2027 against England in a five-match Test series. Gill will have the responsibility of revitalising India’s Test system in his debut series as captain.
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