Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill‘s selection as India’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka suggests he is being groomed as a future captain. Chopra also noted that KL Rahul was another potential candidate to serve as Rohit Sharma‘s deputy in the ODI format.

The Men in Blue will play a three-match T20I series, followed by an equally long ODI series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Indian squad in the T20Is, while Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the ODIs. Additionally, Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain for both the T20I and ODI formats.

Chopra analyzed the ODI squad, noting that Rohit remains the captain, but Gill has been promoted ahead of the more experienced Rahul.

“Rohit Sharma will be present for the ODI’s. Interestingly, Shubman has been handed the vice-captaincy for the entire series. While KL Rahul could have been a candidate for the vice-captaincy, so Gill could be the apparent successor,” noted Chopra.

The former opener opines Shivam Dube’s selection to India’s squads for both formats suggests he is poised for an expanded role, particularly with Hardik Pandya‘s absence from the ODI team.

“Sanju Samson has not been selected for the team. Shreyas Iyer, who had an impressive World Cup performance, has been included. Shivam Dube has been picked for both the ODI and T20I squads, indicating a more prominent role for him, likely due to Hardik Pandya’s absence from the ODI’s,” he added.

“Pandya’s absence from ODIs suggests he intents to continue in the shorter format. This hint comes after he missed the last World Cup due to injury, sidelining him for six months. Given his recent injury history, the trajectory of Pandya’s career remains uncertain,” he continued.

Hardik has reportedly withdrawn from the upcoming ODI series, citing personal reasons. It is unclear whether he intends to focus solely on the shortest format of the game going forward, a decision that could significantly impact India’s prospects in next year’s Champions Trophy, where his contributions could prove vital.