Ricky Ponting has endorsed the BCCI’s decision to name Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain, offering his perspective on the selection process that raised questions over the alternative of Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah had captained India in three Test matches, including a successful stint in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, a back injury ruled him out of the Champions Trophy and raised concerns about his availability.
Ponting, while speaking on the ICC review, pointed out the need for a captain who can commit fully to the role. He lauded Shubman Gill’s leadership skills exhibited during the IPL 2025. Ponting wants the selectors to back Gill for a sustained period. He viewed it as a timely shift for India. ‘I actually think it’s the right move,’ Ponting said, addressing the criticism. He noted Bumrah’s injury issues over the last couple of years, a factor that makes Gill a better choice, as it is crucial for a captain to be consistently available. Ponting believes the selectors should provide Gill with long-term support and allow him to settle in.
‘Even just looking back at the way he’s handled this current GT team through this IPL, I think leadership sits really well with him,’ Ponting stated. He added, ‘And the important thing for me with leadership as well is if you’re a batter and you’re a captain, you have to be scoring runs. And Shubman is doing that in IPL and I think the timing is right. I think you’ll have a good captain who’ll make a lot of Test runs going forward.’