Shubman Gill appears set to become India's next all-format captain. Already leading the Test and ODI teams, he was also appointed vice-captain for the 2025 Asia Cup T20 side, a move widely seen as a clear step toward full leadership across formats. His elevation began earlier this year, and by the England tour in June–July, Gill officially took charge of the Test side. Former BCCI selector Salil Ankola has now revealed that Gill was earmarked for leadership much earlier than most realised, as far back as 2023, the same year he made his T20I debut. “We always thought Gill would become captain. We considered him for the role right from 2023. Selectors take inputs from the coach, captain and senior players, even former cricketers felt he was the right choice,” Ankola said on Vicky Lalwani’s YouTube channel. Ankola also praised Gill’s temperament, recalling his run-rich England tour. “If he can score 750 runs under that kind of pressure, it shows his mental strength. People will still complain or suggest someone else, but that is how public opinion works,” he added. Gill is now back in the T20 setup after recovering from neck spasms that forced him out of the second Test and the ODI series against South Africa. He was briefly hospitalised in Kolkata as a precaution, later completing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He has since been cleared to play the upcoming T20Is against South Africa. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes this is Gill’s moment to secure his place as a T20 opener. “Gill should cement his place at the top. We trust all-format players, and he has shown his quality in the IPL. These five matches offer him a perfect chance to settle into the T20 setup. The pitches will have pace and bounce, conditions he enjoys,” Pathan said on JioStar.