Lance Klusener backs Shubman Gill as India's next long-term captain
Lance Klusener says Shubman Gill is ready to lead India and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the next superstar.
Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener has identified Shubman Gill as the right man to lead India after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Klusener, now head coach of Arabian Aces in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, said Gill is an absolute superstar with the bat and will serve India for many years. He also singled out 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the next potential superstar in Indian cricket.
Klusener made the comments to IANS on the sidelines of an event in Abu Dhabi. He said the game always produces younger players to replace those who leave, and India does not have to look far for talent. Gill's main challenge, according to Klusener, will be separating his role as captain from his role as India's premier batter.
Kohli and Rohit have shaped Indian cricket for more than a decade. Klusener said their eventual departures should be seen as a natural transition rather than a threat to the team's strength.
CricHubb Take
The timing of these comments is notable. Gill has already won ICC Player of the Month five times, so Klusener is endorsing a player whose statistical case for leadership is already strong rather than creating a new narrative.