“I think it’s very easy.”

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting supported India’s decision to appoint Shubmangill as a test skipper ahead of the England marquee tour. India has had difficulty choosing a test captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the test last month.

Despite Jasprit Bumrah representing Rohit until his latest series in Australia, management has helmed talented young people. The 25-year-old led India only at the T20I series held in Zimbabwe last year, not a test.

However, in a conversation with ICC ReviewPonting believed that Gill’s appointment as test captain was easy.

“I actually think that’s the right move. I know there are a lot of other people. They say they don’t understand why it wasn’t Bumrah, why they went to Shubman, but I think it’s very easy.

He added:

“Now they’ve made it, so that’s what they have to stick with him for a long time and give him a good crack.

Gill recently captained the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025, winning third place in nine of 14 matches and third in the rankings. However, they lost to the eliminator Mumbai Indians (MI).

“You have to score” – Ricky Ponting’s advice to Schubman Gill

Ricky Ponting believes Shubman Gill must acquire a mountain of running to solidify himself as a good leader. The youngsters stand out in the IPL recently concluded, averaging 650 runs on 50 and a strike rate of 155.87 in 15 games.

However, his test number is sub-par, with an average of only 35.05 on 32 outings.

“If you’re a batsman, you’re the captain, and you’re the captain, what’s important to me is you have to score, and Shubman is doing it in the IPL. I think the timing is right.

Gill’s first mission as test captain will begin on June 20th with his first Test against England in Leeds.