India’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has publicly addressed recent social media chatter regarding his relationships with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He unequivocally stated that their bond remains robust, and he openly seeks their counsel during matches.
Gill’s ascension to the ODI captaincy, succeeding Rohit Sharma, had sparked considerable debate about the roles of both Rohit and Kohli going forward. His first major test as captain will be the upcoming three-match series against Australia, kicking off this Sunday.
During an informal pre-match press conference held by the Swan river, Gill tackled these concerns head-on.
“While a certain narrative might circulate externally, my relationship with Rohit hasn’t changed a bit,” Gill assured reporters. “He’s incredibly supportive; whenever I need to discuss anything, perhaps even insights into the pitch conditions, he’s there.”
He further elaborated, “I often approach him and ask, ‘What are your thoughts? If you were leading, what would your strategy be?’ My rapport with both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai is excellent, and they never hesitate to share their suggestions.”
The 25-year-old talent acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with stepping into such a significant role, following in the footsteps of cricketing legends. He deeply values the continuous support he receives from both former captains.
“I’ve had numerous discussions with Virat bhai and Rohit bhai about the path forward for the team. Their insights into the team culture they aimed to build, along with their experiences and wisdom, will be invaluable to us,” Gill added.
“These are truly big shoes to fill, considering the extraordinary legacy left by Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Virat bhai, and Rohit bhai. Their collective experiences, learnings, and the sheer skill-set they bring to the team are monumental.”
Gill recounted growing up watching Kohli and Rohit dominate ODI cricket, a format that was immensely popular among Indian fans during his formative years.
“Naturally, as a child, I idolized them for the way they played the game and the relentless hunger they displayed, which truly inspired me. It’s a tremendous honor to lead such legends,” he shared.
“In challenging situations, I won’t hesitate for a moment to seek their advice.”
When pressed about specific leadership qualities he admires in Rohit and Virat, Gill highlighted their communication prowess. “There were certain aspects I observed and deeply appreciated while playing under them – particularly their communication style and the clarity of their messaging, which consistently helped me perform at my best,” he explained.
“That’s precisely the kind of captain I aspire to be: one where all my players feel secure, and their roles and communication are crystal clear.”
Gill profoundly respects the irreplaceable value of their extensive cricketing careers. “They have dedicated nearly two decades to Indian cricket, and I’ve learned an immense amount playing alongside them. The experience they bring cannot be replicated, nor can the sheer volume of runs they’ve scored globally,” he affirmed.
Finally, Gill expressed his belief that added responsibility enhances his individual performance. “I genuinely enjoy being entrusted with extra responsibility. I thrive under pressure; that’s when my best game emerges. However, when I’m batting, my focus remains solely on being a batter, allowing me to make the best decisions in that moment,” he concluded.
“As a batter, I consciously try not to think like a skipper. Doing so can lead to unnecessary pressure, potentially causing me to lose the freedom to play my shots and, ultimately, my ‘X factor’.”