India's new ODI captain, Shubman Gill has endorsed the continued involvement of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating they are firmly in the team's plans for the 2027 World Cup. Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Thursday, Gill put an end to speculation about the veterans' future in the 50-over format, emphasizing their experience and match-winning abilities.
Gill made it clear that he views the duo as crucial assets for the team's campaign in South Africa in two years' time. "The experience they have and the number of matches they have won for India, there are very few players who have done that," Gill said. "There are very few players in the world with such skill, quality and experience. From that perspective, we are definitely looking at them for 2027."
Having also replaced Rohit Sharma as Test captain, Gill said he aims to emulate the leadership style of his predecessor. He highlighted Rohit’s composure and ability to foster camaraderie as qualities he wishes to bring to his own captaincy. "The calmness that he poses and shows to us, and the kind of friendships that he has built with the players in the group, is something that I aspire to," Gill stated.
The 25-year-old's first assignment as ODI skipper will be a challenging three-match series against Australia, starting in Perth on October 19. Both Rohit and Kohli, who now exclusively play the 50-over format for India, are expected to be part of the squad for that tour. The captaincy change was made by selectors to avoid having three different leaders across three formats.
Gill also used the opportunity to back younger players in the side, defending Sai Sudharsan after a low score in the first Test against West Indies and stressing the importance of giving players a consistent run of opportunities. He also spoke of his good working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir, mentioning their discussions around making the players feel secure and building a pool of fast bowlers for the future.
