Shubman Gill, the Indian ODI captain, has refuted suggestions of friction with his predecessor Rohit Sharma ahead of the series opener against Australia on Sunday, October 19, at Optus Stadium in Perth. Gill had previously accepted the Test leadership following Rohit’s retirement before the England tour.
Fans and experts reacted differently to Shubman Gill choice to take over as ODI captain.
While some saw it as a long-term strategy, others saw it as a cruel move, given that Rohit had guided India to consecutive ICC wins. Gill, on the other hand, confirmed that he and Rohit have no resentment after the leadership shift, putting an end to rumors of a schism.
“The narrative that is going on outside is different, but there is nothing different in our relationship now. We are just like how we used to be before, everything is the same. He is very helpful. If there is any observation he makes after his years of experience, he tells me, and if there is anything I want to ask him, I go and ask him and ask his opinion, and ask what he would have done in such a situation. I like to get the thoughts of everyone, and then based on my understanding of the game, take the final decision,” Shubman Gill said in the pre-match press conference through Star Sports.
“I have a terrific equation with both Rohit bhai and Virat bhai. Whenever I have any doubts, I ask for their suggestions and take their advice. They do not hesitate in any way while telling me things,” he added.
Gill has added a new dimension to his batting ever since assuming leadership duties across formats. He has been consistently among the runs for the Gujarat Titans (GT) over the past couple of seasons, having been named captain following Hardik Pandya’s departure. Gill was the leading run-scorer in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and also notched a century in the recently concluded second Test against the West Indies.
“I wouldn’t say it automatically happens. I like it when there is more responsibility on me, and I think my best game comes out under that pressure. Although when I go out to bat, I believe that I do my best when I think as a batter, and not think about captaincy. I think when someone starts to think like that, they put more pressure on themselves,” Gill said.
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