Shubman Gill turns 27 a record-breaking India captain; Hardik named for Australia A series

The prodigy grows up

Shubman Gill turns 27 on a wave of unprecedented achievement. Ten records chart his rise from prodigy to record-breaking India captain, confirming the young batter's place at the very top of the national game.

The captaincy debate is bubbling around him. Ashish Nehra compared Gill and Hardik Pandya as leaders, describing them as “north pole and south pole” — a vivid encapsulation of two contrasting styles.

And with one eye on the future, Nehra was bullish about the old guard too, responding to questions over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's prospects at the 2027 ODI World Cup with a simple “Why not?”

India A fresh faces

Hardik Pandya has been named in the India A squad for the Australia A home series, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devdutt Padikkal set to lead. Padikkal, cementing his place in the Test set-up, was typically grounded.

“Nothing is taken for granted,” Padikkal said.

There was fitness news too: Washington Sundar has been declared fit, while Jasprit Bumrah awaits the nod for the Afghanistan series.