Gambhir makes big claim about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in 2027 World Cup build-up
Gautam Gambhir has praised the influence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on Shubman Gill's growth as India's ODI captain. Gill will lead India against the West Indies, with the first ODI set to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
Shubman Gill will have two of Indian cricket's most experienced campaigners alongside him when the West Indies arrive for a three-match ODI series, with Gautam Gambhir highlighting the influence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the young captain.
Gill, who took over as India's ODI captain last year, will lead the side against the West Indies, while Kohli and Rohit return to the national set-up after the series against England. The first ODI will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27.
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“In one-day cricket, when you talk about it, he's very fortunate that he's got the likes of Rohit and Virat to help him on the field and off the field as well. And then, more importantly, I think that calmness, I think keeping the emotions aside, because when you're young, sometimes you can actually get dragged into the emotions as well,” Gambhir said in an interview with JioStar.
‘SHUBMAN GILL HAS BEEN SELFLESS, CALM’
Gambhir also praised Gill's approach to leadership, pointing to the different qualities the 26-year-old has brought to the role. Gill has been tasked with leading India in the 50-over format as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“He has actually ticked all the boxes. He has been calm, he has been selfless, he has been aggressive, he has said the right things he leads by example, not only by runs.
“So I feel that he has done all the right things. Hopefully, he'll get the results as well because he has had a bit of a tough time in one-day cricket. But I am sure, I think things will turn around because he has done all the right things,” Gambhir said.
The presence of Rohit and Kohli adds considerable experience to India's ODI batting line-up. Both veterans were named in the squad for the West Indies series, with Gill continuing as captain and KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.
The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30 before the series concludes with the third match at New Chandigarh on October 3. The wider West Indies tour will then continue with a five-match T20I series, ending in Bengaluru on October 17.
Gill has an impressive record against the West Indies in ODIs, scoring 331 runs in six matches at an average of 66.2 and a strike rate of 92.71, with a highest score of 98. With Rohit and Kohli's experience around him, Gill will look to build on that record while balancing his responsibilities as India's ODI captain.