Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Shubman Gill will not become the T20I captain for India in the near future. The opening batsman expressed his views after India achieved a strong result in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final.

 

India won the T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand with a 96 run victory during the final match which took place at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8 and registered their third title in T20 World Cup.

 

Before the Asia Cup 2025 started Gill received the T20I vice-captain position but he did not make it into the T20 World Cup team. The team opted for Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan as their opening batsmen which proved good for the team.

 

Aakash Chopra Shares His View

 

Chopra discussed Gill's possibilities during his YouTube channel session when he answered fan inquiries. He explained that having one captain for all three formats should not become India's standard practice.

 

Aakash Chopra stated on his Youtube Channel:

 

“It’s going to be difficult, although the Indian team thought that it would become easier if there were one captain for all three formats. However, it won’t happen at all.”

 

He Added:

 

"I feel we won’t be able to do that because he is the Test and ODI captain, but he can’t get the T20I captaincy. At this moment, even his name coming is difficult because of the way the Indian team has been playing, especially the last four games.”

 

Chopra thinks that Gill's chance to return to the team has become more difficult because India has recently achieved success in T20 matches.

 

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Focus Should Remain on Tests and ODIs

 

The former cricketer also warned that Gill should not change his natural batting style just to fit into the T20 format.

 

Chopra further said:

 

"When are you talking about 250, and that too in a World Cup, then you don't think you need an anchor. Gill can adapt and change, but we shouldn't lose Shubman Gill, the Test batter, in trying to find that, and lose the Shubman Gill who can become an absolute giant in ODIs. I think it's going to be difficult for Shubman Gill."

 

Chopra’s comments suggest that Gill’s future could remain stronger in longer formats rather than T20 internationals.

 

IPL 2026 Offers Fresh Chance

 

Gill will soon return to action in the Indian Premier League. The 2026 season is scheduled to start on March 28.

 

He will continue to lead the Gujarat Titans in the tournament. A successful season would enable him to restore his position within the national T20 team.

 

Gill had an impressive IPL 2025 season scoring 650 runs in 15 matches at an average of 50 while registering six half-centuries throughout the campaign.

 

The Titans ended their campaign when they faced defeat against Mumbai Indians during the Eliminator match. Gill aims to assist his team during the next season while displaying his cricketing skills to the selectors who will choose players for the shortest format.