India’s new ODI skipper Shubman Gill recently made his stance extremely clear on the ongoing speculation regarding the future of veterans of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Speaking to the media for the first time since being announced as India’s ODI captain on Thursday, Shubman Gill unequivocally stated that he needs players as experienced and skilled as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the team as they prepare to go the distance in the upcoming ICC World Cup.
Gill on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Speaking ahead of the second Test against the West Indies taking place in New Delhi, Gill lauded the experience and raw power that both Kohli and Rohit bring to the team.
“The experience they have and the number of matches they have won for India, there are very few players who have (done) that,” Gill told reporters ahead of the second Test against the West Indies in New Delhi on Thursday. “There are very few players in the world with such skill, quality and experience. From that perspective, we are definitely looking at them for 2027,” Gill told reporters.
What Gill intends to do as captain
Gill also opened up on the traits that he has picked up from Rohit after replacing him as India’s Test captain. “There are so many qualities and traditions that I have inherited from Rohit bhai, and still want to continue,” Gill said.
Gill further stated that he intended to bring the same ‘calmness’ and ‘positive environment’ to the dressing room as Rohit Sharma did back in the day.
“The calmness that he poses and shows to us, and the kind of friendships that he has built with the players in the group, is something that I aspire to. These are the qualities that I want to take from him.”
The young Indian opener also spoke about his growing rapport with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been at the center of India’s ongoing transition phase. “Our relationship is good. We strike conversations about how to make players feel secure. Also, we talk about preparing a pool of fast bowlers, which is crucial going forward,” Gill concluded towards the end of his interaction with reporters ahead of the game.