The legacy of Indian cricket is interwoven with iconic leaders who have redefined the way the game is played and perceived. Among these stalwarts, MS Dhoni’s contribution as a transformative captain in all formats remains legendary. His calm demeanor, astute decision-making, and trust in young talent took India to the pinnacle of Test cricket, including reaching the No.1 ranking in 2009. Now, as Shubman Gill steps into a more prominent leadership role and continues to evolve as a potential future Test captain, comparisons with Dhoni inevitably arise. Can Gill replicate Dhoni’s revival of the Indian Test side and usher in a new era?
Dhoni’s appointment as Test captain came at a time when India was in transition. With seniors like Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman nearing the twilight of their careers, Dhoni had to craft a new identity for the team. He backed youngsters like Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom became pillars in India’s Test resurgence. Dhoni’s greatest strength lay in fostering stability. He believed in continuity over impulsiveness and often gave players the space to fail and learn.
Shubman Gill finds himself in a somewhat similar phase. With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane now out of favour and Virat Kohli entering the final years of his illustrious Test career, India is once again seeking a generational shift. Gill, having already proven himself across formats, stands at the threshold of becoming a long-term anchor in the Test team. His maturity at the crease, clean technique, and composure resemble the qualities of a dependable leader. More importantly, Gill’s exposure to high-pressure environments at a young age mirrors Dhoni’s early days as a leader who never looked overwhelmed by the moment.
One of the defining aspects of Dhoni’s leadership was his knack for identifying and grooming players suited for specific roles. Be it promoting Rohit Sharma in ODIs or trusting R Ashwin in Tests, Dhoni saw potential where others hesitated. Gill, who captains Gujarat Titans in the IPL, has already begun demonstrating a similar outlook. He is known to be analytical, tactically sound, and receptive to team-building strategies. If Gill applies those learnings to the red-ball format, he could become instrumental in rebuilding India’s Test batting core.
Furthermore, Gill is leading a generation of players who have grown up idolising Dhoni and Kohli but also possess a fearless mindset honed by India’s dominance in youth cricket. With players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sarfaraz Khan emerging, Gill could be the perfect bridge between the outgoing generation and the future. His ability to bond with these younger players, much like Dhoni did with his batch, will be key to creating a cohesive unit.
It must be acknowledged that Dhoni’s achievements are monumental. Under his leadership, India conquered Australia in their backyard, whitewashed England at home, and maintained a fortress-like record on Indian soil. For Gill, emulating this would require years of consistency, smart planning, and unwavering focus. But the early signs are promising.
Shubman Gill may not have Dhoni’s towering legacy yet, but he possesses the traits of a modern leader: grounded, ambitious, and methodical. If he’s given the time and trust that Dhoni once enjoyed, there is every reason to believe that Gill could lead India through its next great Test chapter.
For more news updates, follow 12B Sports India Facebook .