Why new Test captain Shubman Gill and coach Gautam Gambhir are poles apart

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In a surprising turn of events before the selectors picked a 18-member squad for the England series — Indian coach Gautam Gambhir opposed the selection of Sai Sudharsan and it was only after half-hour of persuasion from newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill (Sai’s captain in Gujarat Titan) that helped the Tamil Nadu opener to seal his place with support from all five selectors, sources told CricBlogger on Sunday.

Even the selectors were shocked with Gambhir’s choice of players. None of the board officials were available for comments. Gambhir himself was a left-handed opener and opposing Sai’s name didn’t make much of a sense,” a BCCI source told CricBlogger,

Despite Gambhir’s public claims of having no involvement in selection matters, internal developments suggest otherwise. According to sources, Gambhir had a disagreement with chief selector Ajit Agarkar over Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. This clash has fueled growing concern about the extent of Gambhir’s influence, especially given his limited credentials as a Test coach for India.

Insiders describe it as “alarming” that someone without a proven track record in Test coaching appears to be wielding significant sway over team decisions. As India prepares for the opening Test in Leeds, all eyes will be on whether the team management gives Sai a chance to prove his mettle — possibly even as a captain’s pick — or whether Gambhir’s preferences shape the final XI once again.

Sai‘s selection appears well-justified, reflecting both form and adaptability. The 23-year-old left-handed batter has been a standout performer in the 2025 IPL season, amassing over 600 runs at an impressive average over 55. His consistency is underscored by five half-centuries and a century, showcasing his ability to anchor innings as well as accelerate when needed.

Further bolstering his case is his experience in English conditions, having represented Surrey in the County Championship across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This exposure has not only refined his technique but also demonstrated his capacity to adapt to varied playing environments. Former captain and head coach Ravi Shastri too endorsed Sudharsan by saying that his sound technique and identifying him as a potential all-format player — a valuable asset as India looks to build a resilient batting lineup.