Shubman Gill Embraces Leadership Role Ahead of ODI Captaincy Debut
As India prepares to kick off a new era in limited-overs cricket, Shubman Gill is embracing the responsibility of leading a team that still features two of the game's modern-day greats — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Speaking to media in Perth ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia, Gill, 26, reflected on the honour of captaining a side that includes players he once idolised.
“These are the kind of players I used to look up to growing up,” Gill said. “It is a big honour for me to be able to lead such legends of the game. I’m sure there will be many moments in this series where I’ll be able to learn from them.”
The three-match series marks Gill’s first as India’s ODI captain and a symbolic moment of transition, with India beginning to lay the groundwork for the 2027 World Cup campaign. Despite taking over the leadership, Gill is adamant that his relationship with former skipper Rohit Sharma remains as strong as ever.
“The narrative that goes on outside is different. There's nothing like that between us – things are just as they were before,” he said. “He [Rohit] is very helpful. Whenever I feel like I need advice, I ask what he would have done in a certain situation.”
Gill also praised his camaraderie with Kohli and Rohit, describing a collaborative approach to leadership. “I like to know everyone’s thoughts and then decide based on my understanding. I have a great equation with both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. Whenever I have a doubt, I go to them — and they never hesitate to share their experience.”
‘Responsibility Brings Out My Best’
Gill, who already captains India in the Test format, has shown that leadership doesn’t weigh him down — rather, it elevates his game. Since taking on the Test captaincy, he has scored five centuries from 13 innings, with a rising average to match.
“I like it when I have the additional responsibility. The pressure brings out my best,” he said. “But when I go out to bat, I try to think like a batsman, not a captain. That allows me to make better decisions for the team in the moment.”
Gill boasts an impressive ODI average of 59 from 55 matches, and while replicating his red-ball success in the white-ball arena presents a different challenge, his temperament and consistency offer India a promising foundation.
Big Shoes to Fill, But Ready to Lead
With this tour potentially marking the final Australian visit for Kohli and Rohit, the ODI series could serve as a symbolic handover of the baton. But Gill is not shying away from the legacy he’s inheriting.
“It’s definitely exciting,” he said. “It’s very big shoes for me to carry — the legacy that Virat bhai and Rohit bhai have left.”
He hopes to lead in a style that empowers his teammates, taking cues from the openness and communication he experienced under his predecessors.
“That’s the kind of captain I want to be — where all my players feel secure in the job they have to do.”
Australia vs India: A New Chapter Begins
With both teams in transition and building toward future ICC tournaments, the ODI series is expected to provide insight into the direction each side is heading. While Kohli and Rohit remain central figures for now, all eyes will be on Gill as he officially begins his tenure as ODI captain — and possibly steps into the spotlight as India’s next great leader.
The first ODI will be played on October 19 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where more than 50,000 fans are expected to witness the start of a new chapter in Indian cricket.