Ricky Ponting backs Shubman Gill as India’s Test captain and says the team must stand by its decision. The former Aussie skipper explains why Gill is the right man to lead India’s red-ball future.

A New Era Begins: India Puts Faith in Shubman Gill

Into unchartered territory, India’s Test squad is beginning the Seventh Edition of the World Test Championship. Apart from the aforementioned legends of red-ball cricket: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin ending their Test journey the age of youth has now come in the form of Shubman Gill with the leadership. Ricky Ponting’s strongest voice of support is one that one can the most solidly trust, and the decision sparked heated discussions across cricketing communities.

Ponting Weighs In: “Gill Deserves the Chance”

The former Australian captain shared his thoughts on the ICC Review, calling the move a step in the right direction.

> “There’s a lot of chatter about why Bumrah wasn’t made captain. But with his injury history, it’s simple — you can’t risk your leader being out of action often. Gill is stable, fit, and ready,” Ponting stated with conviction.

For Ponting, it’s not just about talent but about consistency, availability, and the ability to grow into the role. And Gill, in his eyes, ticks those boxes.

England Series Will Be the Real Test

India’s next big ask? England will begin the five-match Test series on June 20th in India. Tough as it may be, the first-test captaincy for the likes of Kohli, Rohit, and Shami hardly is an auspicious one. However, Ponting says India’s depth makes them the most likely cricketing nation to cope with the change well.

“Replacing veterans is never easy. But India’s talent bench is unlike any other. If any country can manage this phase smoothly, it’s them,” he said confidently.

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A Call for Patience and Belief

Ponting’s biggest advice? Don’t second-guess the decision.

> “Once you’ve chosen a captain, stand by him. Don’t panic if results don’t come instantly. Gill needs time — give it to him,” he urged.

KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are veterans around Gill not to say that he is going into the storm all on his own. Ponting added that IPL has molded a new generation of India and names like Yashasvi Jaiswal who have come out of the flames of the league to excel in the world formats.

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India’s Future Hinges on Trusting Its Youth

Ponting believed Gill was the future in his way, a certain strutting-of-eye modern bloke who seemed to have leadership qualities. But this is not just a transition for Indian cricket fans. Jumping a bit in faith into the unknown. With stable funding, it might be the beginning of something great.

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