‘It’s a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team’ – Michael Vaughan reacts to Shubman Gill’s appointment as Test captain

Michael Vaughan believes that the young Indian team, which will play a five-match Test series against England beginning on June 20, will give Ben Stokes and co. a run for their money.

India named Shubman Gill as captain of the Test team after Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from the longest format on May 7. The Asian heavyweights will also miss Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket on May 12 after Rohit.

Former England captain Vaughan believes that choosing a young cricketer like Shubman as captain of a new-look squad is a bold decision by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. The cricketer-turned-expert believes Shubman has space for improvement as a hitter, particularly in abroad conditions, but he has what it takes to thrive on big occasions.

“Shubman Gill is officially the new face of Indian Test cricket, taking over as captain for the England series.

It’s a risky gamble to entrust a youthful skipper with a new-look team following the retirements of legends like Rohit and Kohli. Gill has a lot to prove, especially away from home, but he has demonstrated that he can handle big circumstances,” Vaughan told News18 Cricket Next.

“With Rishabh Pant as his deputy and a group ready to make their mark, this England visit has the potential to be the beginning of something spectacular for India’s future generation. “Don’t be surprised if these kids rise to the occasion,” Vaughan said.