Shubman Gill Begins New Era as India’s ODI Captain, With Kohli and Rohit in the Ranks

As India prepares to kick off their ODI series against Australia at Optus Stadium, a new chapter in Indian cricket begins with Shubman Gill officially taking over as ODI captain. The 26-year-old batter, who also leads the Test team, now assumes responsibility in a format long dominated by icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—both of whom remain part of the squad.

Addressing the media in Perth with the Swan River forming a scenic backdrop, Gill struck a confident yet humble tone as he reflected on his leadership journey and the opportunity to guide players he once idolised.

“These are the kind of players I used to look up to growing up,” Gill said. “It’s a big honour for me to be able to lead such legends of the game. There will be so many moments in this series where I can learn from them.”

Despite speculation about possible tension following Rohit’s removal as captain, Gill dismissed such concerns, highlighting the support he’s received from both Rohit and Kohli.

“The narrative outside is very different. Things are the same between us as they always were,” he stated. “Rohit bhai is very helpful. Whenever I need advice, I ask him what he would do in a certain situation. Same with Virat bhai—they both don’t hesitate in sharing their experience.”

Gill’s leadership marks a significant transition as India sets its sights on the 2027 World Cup. With both Kohli and Rohit likely entering the twilight of their ODI careers, this series will not only celebrate their contributions but also spotlight Gill’s evolution into a central figure in the team’s future.

Having already made an impressive start as Test captain—scoring five centuries in 13 innings—Gill appears to thrive under pressure.

“I like it when there is additional responsibility. Pressure brings out the best in me,” he said. “But when I go out to bat, I try to think like a batsman first and not focus too much on being a captain. That clarity helps me make better decisions.”

While the ODI series in Australia will offer an early glimpse into Gill’s captaincy style and team strategy, the bigger story may be his growing stature within world cricket. No longer flying under the radar, especially in Australia—a country where both Kohli and Rohit have built legendary legacies—Gill is stepping into the spotlight.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Gill said of his ODI captaincy debut. “These are big shoes to fill. The kind of communication and security that Rohit bhai and Virat bhai gave to their players is something I’ve learned from. That’s the kind of captain I want to be—one who gives his players full confidence in their roles.”

As India’s tour begins, all eyes will be on how Gill balances leadership duties with performance, and how seamlessly the torch is passed from two legends to the next potential great.