As Team India enters a new era in ODI cricket, Shubman Gill is set to lead the side in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday, taking over from Rohit Sharma. While fans eagerly await the return of senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, much of the spotlight will be on Gill — the 25-year-old prodigy from Punjab who grew up idolising the very players he now captains.
Speaking ahead of the match, Gill expressed deep respect for his seniors. “When I was a kid, I used to idealise both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The kind of hunger and passion they showed inspired me. It’s a big honour to lead such legends and learn from them,” Gill told the media.
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Addressing rumours of tension after assuming captaincy, Gill clarified that his relationship with Rohit remains unchanged. “A lot of narratives are created outside, but nothing has changed between us. Rohit bhai is always there to guide me, and I often seek his input on conditions or strategy,” he said.
He also credited both Virat and Rohit for their guidance, adding, “I have a great equation with both of them, and they never hesitate to share their insights.”
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Gill acknowledged that stepping into he leadership role comes with immense responsibility, given the legacy left behind by his predecessors. “These are big shoes to fill — the legacy created by Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Virat bhai, and Rohit bhai is massive. Their experience and skill set have shaped Indian cricket, and I hope to continue that legacy,” Gill concluded.
