In a recent statement from Perth on Friday, October 17, 2025, India’s dynamic left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, shared his insights on the crucial influence of veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill. Patel expressed strong confidence that Gill’s leadership skills would undoubtedly flourish under the guidance and experience of these cricketing giants within the Indian team.
Speaking after India’s second intense training session, leading up to the highly anticipated first ODI on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Axar revealed that both Rohit and Kohli were in prime form. Despite their absence from international duty since the Champions Trophy in March, their sharpness and readiness were unmistakable, according to Patel.
It’s noteworthy that Gill has taken over the ODI captaincy from Rohit, even after Rohit successfully led India to a Champions Trophy title earlier in the year.
During a joint interaction with Australian opener Travis Head, Axar elaborated on his perspective, stating, “For Gill, it’s a perfect scenario. Rohit Bhai and Virat Bhai are right there, and since they’ve both captained before, they can offer invaluable input. This environment is incredibly beneficial for Gill’s growth as a captain.”
In a related discussion, the roles of Rohit and Kohli are being re-evaluated, suggesting that for ‘Ro-Ko,’ the present moment is truly defining their future impact on the team.
Axar highlighted a key positive about Gill’s captaincy: “What has been good about Gill’s captaincy thus far is that he has not been pressurised.” He further reiterated that despite their break from competitive cricket, both Rohit and Kohli were demonstrating remarkable sharpness and readiness.
Echoing Travis Head’s sentiment, Axar stated, “Like Travis said, they both are world-class players. We’ll truly see their form after the first match, but they are seasoned professionals who know exactly what needs to be done.” He confirmed that the duo has been diligently practicing at Bangalore’s Centre of Excellence, looking exceptionally good in both net sessions and in terms of their physical fitness. Axar, who first toured Australia as an Indian player a decade ago, noted their impressive preparation.
The Conversation Shifts: From Pitch Bounce to Strategic Masterplans
Many Indian cricketers, including Axar himself, have extensive experience playing in Australia, which puts the team in a comfortable and confident mindset.
Axar revealed that discussions within the dressing room have evolved. Instead of focusing on the notoriously bouncy Australian pitches, the team is now primarily strategizing against their opponents, thanks to their deep familiarity with the local conditions.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Axar noted, “I feel that since 2015, my first visit Down Under, things have changed significantly. Back then, conversations were heavily centered around pitches, conditions, and bounce, and we played less frequently. However, after the 2015 World Cup, we began playing here more regularly, leading to longer series and, consequently, our batters excelling in these conditions.”
He continued, “Now, when we come here, it doesn’t feel like unfamiliar Australian conditions anymore. We are much more prepared. Our focus has shifted to identifying scoring opportunities, and our discussions revolve around strategy and timing, rather than just the pitch itself. It’s all about how we can outwit the opposition.”
For Axar, this series presents a significant challenge as he steps into a pivotal role, having been selected over seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the squad.
Expressing his readiness, Axar affirmed, “I am very confident about this series. I performed strongly with both bat and ball in the Asia Cup, and it’s been a while since I played in Australia – not since the 2022 T20 World Cup. I am absolutely ready for this challenge.”