In recent weeks, social media has been rife with speculation surrounding the dynamic between India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, and the team’s seasoned stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Gill has firmly put these rumors to rest, assuring fans that his bond with the two cricketing legends remains as strong as ever. He made it clear that he would not hesitate to seek their invaluable advice during crucial match situations.
Gill’s ascent to the ODI captaincy marks a significant transition, following the highly successful tenure of Rohit Sharma. This change has naturally led to intense discussions about the future roles of these iconic players. Gill’s first major challenge as skipper will be the three-match series against Australia, set to commence in Perth this Sunday (October 19, 2025).
During a pre-match media conference held in the picturesque setting on the banks of the Swan River, Gill took the opportunity to directly address and dispel any lingering doubts.
“While there might be narratives circulating externally, nothing has fundamentally altered in my relationship with Rohit,” Gill stated on the eve of the series opener. “He is incredibly supportive, and I frequently approach him for insights, perhaps even regarding the nature of the pitch. I often ask, ‘What are your thoughts? If you were leading, what decisions would you make?’ My rapport with both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai is excellent, and they never hold back in offering their suggestions.” Gill’s comments aimed to clarify any misconceptions that the senior players might have reacted negatively to the leadership change.
The 25-year-old captain acknowledged the immense responsibility placed upon him, recognizing that he has “big shoes to fill” and will heavily rely on the wisdom and support of his two former captains.
“I’ve had numerous discussions with Virat bhai and Rohit bhai about the path forward for the team. Their vision for the team’s culture and their accumulated experience and learnings will be incredibly beneficial to us,” Gill elaborated. “The legacy established by Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Virat bhai, and Rohit bhai is profound, filled with so many experiences. The caliber of experience and skill-set they bring to the team is simply massive.”
For Gill, who grew up during an era where ODI cricket captivated Indian fans, admiring the centuries scored by Kohli and Rohit was a natural part of his cricketing upbringing.
So, what does it feel like to now lead them?
“Naturally, as a kid, I idolized them for their game and the sheer hunger they displayed, which truly inspired me. It is a tremendous honor for me to lead such legends of the sport,” Gill reflected. “When faced with a challenging situation, I certainly won’t shy away from seeking their counsel.”
When asked about specific qualities he’d like to adopt from Rohit and Virat, Gill highlighted the importance of “messaging and communication.”
“There are certain aspects I observed and deeply appreciated while playing under them – particularly how they communicate and the clarity of their messaging, which helped me perform at my best,” he explained. “That’s the kind of captain I aspire to be: one where all my players feel secure, and their roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated.”
The invaluable experience possessed by Rohit and Virat, Gill noted, is something that simply cannot be acquired off a shelf. “They have dedicated nearly 20 years to Indian cricket, and I’ve learned an immense amount playing alongside them. The experience they bring is irreplaceable, as are the countless runs they’ve scored across the globe.”
On a personal level, Gill believes that increased responsibility only brings out the best in him as a player. “I relish being entrusted with extra responsibility. I thrive under pressure, and that’s when my best game emerges. However, when I’m batting, I focus solely on being a batsman and then make the best possible decisions. As a batter, I try not to overthink like a skipper, as that can lead to added pressure and potentially diminish the freedom to play my natural shots, losing that ‘X factor.'”