Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his full weight behind Shubman Gill, declaring that the 26-year-old should be “captain of everything” across formats, citing his exceptional talent and the need for patience with young leaders. Speaking on Bandhan Bank’s The Captain’s Calm podcast, Ganguly recounted a recent interaction at Eden Gardens where a fan questioned Gill’s suitability as T20I captain. “I said, ‘He should be captain of everything because he’s so good.’” Ganguly replied, recalling Gill’s standout performance leading a second-string Indian side to a 4-1 T20I series victory in England in July 2025—without Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma—where he averaged 62.50 with the bat and marshalled the team with composure.

Ganguly’s frustration was aimed at the rapid shift in public perception. “Three months ago, that fellow was in England, and he looked like gold—batting, captaincy, got a young team to fight, no Kohli, no Rohit Sharma. And in three months’ time, you’re asking questions,” he said, highlighting the fickle nature of scrutiny that young leaders face. The former BCCI president, who himself captained India to the 2003 World Cup final and oversaw the rise of a new generation, argued that constant second-guessing undermines leadership growth and decision-making calm.

Since taking over the Test vice-captaincy in 2024 and leading in limited overs during senior players’ rest periods, Gill has already skippered India in 18 international matches across formats by December 2025, winning 13. His calm demeanour and tactical acumen—particularly evident in the England series, where India chased down 200-plus totals twice—have earned quiet praise from selectors and senior teammates. Yet, with Gautam Gambhir as head coach and KL Rahul currently handling white-ball duties, Gill’s long-term leadership role remains under debate, especially after a mixed 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

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Ganguly’s endorsement carries weight given his track record of backing young talents—from Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh in 2001 to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma later. He framed patience as non-negotiable: “You have to allow somebody to become better.” The remark also subtly critiques the ecosystem’s tendency to judge captains on short cycles rather than long-term potential, a pattern Ganguly himself navigated during India’s transformative phase under his leadership from 2000 to 2005.

As India transitions into a post-Kohli-Rohit era in white-ball cricket, Ganguly’s public vote of confidence positions Gill as the frontrunner for permanent captaincy across formats. With the 2027 ODI World Cup looming and a packed 2026-27 home season ahead, Ganguly’s message is clear: back the young leader, give him time, and let the gold shine through.

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