Former star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on Shubhman Gill's recent appointment as India's vice-captain for the upcoming Champions Trophy starting in February. The veteran now-retired spinner calls the move a "forward-thinking" move from the BCCI. Ashwin further stresses that such an elevation in the ranks will further secure his spot in the team. 

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Ashwin shares his takeaways on his YouTube channel

Gill's role as Team India's vice-captain in the upcoming Champions Trophy also means that the youngster can be further groomed as a future leader across formats. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin appreciates the move from the BCCI and believes that the board is looking ahead. 

“Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role. I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain is right or wrong, but it’s clear that the management is looking ahead. He was the vice-captain in the last series too, and I believe he has some vice-captaincy experience in Tests as well."

In addition, Ashwin also believes that Gill has prior vice-captaincy experience which could come in handy in his newly assumed role.

Axar Patel named the T20I vice-captain for India

While Gill has filled the vice-captain slot for India in the ODI format, Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been awarded the same position in the T20I setup. Ashwin highlighted that this move is considered highly stable given Gill's established position in the team.

“Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul could play in the XI, but the management has opted for a player whose spot is secure. If Shubman Gill is groomed for leadership, he can lean on the guidance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah."

However, the Indian legend is not impressed by the overall Indian squad handpicked for the forthcoming Champions Trophy edition. He feels that there is a strong resemblance with the 2023 ODI World Cup squad which underperformed at the last hurdle. The lack of left-handers in the top seven and the absence of a reliable batting option at No. 8 have left the start spinner visibly concerned.