Suresh Raina sheds light on Shubman Gill's appointment as India vice-captain for Champions Trophy 2025

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) recently came forward and announced India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. With Rohit Sharma leading the pack, star batter Shubman Gill was appointed as the vice-captain of the side. 

The Indian team will kick off their CT 2025 campaign by taking on Bangladesh, and ahead of the tournament, former India cricketer Suresh Raina came forward and gave his take on Gill’s appointment as the Indian team’s vice-captain for the tournament. 

“Absolutely. I think Shubman Gill is the next superstar in India. He’s done remarkably well in the one-day side. When you give such a good opportunity to a youngster, like making him the vice-captain in the ICC Champions Trophy, it speaks volumes about his potential. Rohit Sharma clearly knows who the next leader will be. Shubman Gill is one of the best captains we’ve seen, especially with how he led the Gujarat team in the IPL,” Raina told Star Sports.

“The way he has performed in the last 12-16 months justifies this decision. That’s why Rohit will open with him—it’s a great move by the selectors and Rohit Sharma himself. Rohit has observed how Gill leads, much like how Virat Kohli did. Gill’s on-field work ethic is exceptional. He knows the team, leads from the front, and has a strong awareness of the game. It’s a very good move by the selectors and Rohit,” he added.

Arshdeep Singh will be crucial alongside Jasprit Bumrah: Raina

The Indian team seems stacked ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and many more prolific bowlers, the Men in Blue will hope for a good campaign. Reflecting on the team composition, Suresh Raina talked about how crucial several players could be.

“Arshdeep Singh will be crucial alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah will be lethal against batters, but the most important role will be Hardik Pandya’s—when he bowls and whether he bowls in tandem with Kuldeep Yadav. Will Axar Patel play? Will Washington Sundar play? The combination matters. If it’s Hardik and Axar, the batting depth increases, which is advantageous,” Raina said.