'Though Gambhir is a commanding figure, I feel Shubman Gill is making the calls' - S Badrinath shares his views on India's think tank

Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has shared his perspective on India's leadership structure and decision-making process within the team's think tank. Badrinath's comments centre on the role of Test captain Shubman Gill and the dynamics of team selection as India continues its international assignments.

The former India batter's assessment came after Gill navigated his first Test assignment in Sri Lanka as captain, which ended 1-0 in favour of the tourists.

"Shubman Gill's captaincy has been a big positive. India did well in England and now Sri Lanka also. He is leading a young team and doing very well. Though Gambhir is a commanding figure, I still feel Shubman Gill is making the calls and picking the team, knowing the captain will be held responsible for the results." Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.

Badrinath's observation highlights the distinction between the visible authority structure and the actual decision-making process within India's leadership group. While acknowledging Gambhir's commanding presence in the think tank, Badrinath believes Gill holds the primary responsibility for team selection and tactical decisions. This assessment reflects the captain's accountability for results, which naturally places the burden of selection choices on his shoulders.

Devdutt Padikkal's inclusion in the squad for the Sri Lanka series emerged as a significant development in India's middle order planning. The batter impressed during the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI, scoring an unbeaten 142 in the first innings and followed it up with two tons against Dhananjaya de Silva and Co.

Badrinath praised the southpaw and said that he has sealed the No. 3 slot. He also added that Padikkal has the ability to perform well in all three formats.

"Devdutt Padikkal is a big positive for India. He has sealed the No.3 position. There is no need to worry about No.3 from here on for India. He is someone who seems to play all formats well. Somehow, the current RCB players seem to do well wherever they go," Badrinath said.

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Badrinath's confidence in Padikkal's ability to establish himself at number three in India's Test batting order reflects the batter's strong performance in the warm-up fixture. The former cricketer's observation about players from the Indian Premier League franchise performing well across formats highlights the broader trend of domestic league experience translating into international success. Padikkal's inclusion and his impressive warm-up showing have positioned him as a settled option in India's middle order during the Sri Lanka assignment.