‘Rohit Sharma clearly knows who the next leader will be’: Suresh Raina on Shubman Gill being selected as vice-captain for Champions Trophy | Cricket News

Former India player Suresh Raina said that Shubman Gill was appointed the vice captain of the Indian Champions Trophy side because he is being groomed to be the next captain.
“I think Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India. He’s done remarkably well in the one-day side. When you give such a good opportunity to a youngster, like making him the vice-captain in the ICC Champions Trophy, it speaks volumes about his potential. Rohit Sharma clearly knows who the next leader will be,” Raina said in an exclusive interaction at Star Sports Press Room on Sunday.
“Gill is one of the best captains we’ve seen, especially with how he led the Gujarat team in the IPL. The way he has performed in the last 12-16 months justifies this decision. That’s why Rohit will open with him—it’s a great move the selectors and Rohit Sharma himself. Rohit has observed how Gill leads, much like how Virat Kohli did. Gill’s on-field work ethic is exceptional. He knows the team, leads from the front, and has a strong awareness of the game. It’s a very good move the selectors and Rohit,” he added.
On Saturday, the BCCI had announced India’s 15-member squad for the forthcoming Champions Trophy in Dubai with Rohit returning as captain for yet another 50-over ICC tournament and Gill named as vice-captain.
Returning to the international schedule after eight years, the Champions Trophy will be held in a hybrid model with India playing their matches in Dubai while the remaining games will be held in three venues in Pakan. India will open their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed group games against Pakan and New Zealand in the eight-team tournament.

India and Pakan had met in the final of the previous edition in 2017 at the Oval where the Men in Blue suffered a massive defeat against their arch-rivals. India had previously clinched the trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership. They were adjudged joint-overs of the title in 2002 alongside Sri Lanka after a washed-out final.

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