As India prepares to face Australia in the ODI series, everyone is looking at Shubman Gill, the new captain of two cricketing titans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The captaincy switch had set tongues wagging among fans and experts regarding whether Rohit and Kohli would accept playing under the 26-year-old skipper. Gill has now cleared the air before the series starts in Perth.
'Nothing has changed between us'
Speaking to the reports in Perth on Saturday, Gill explained that his rapport with the senior pair continues to remain as solid as ever. "Whatever the narrative might be there outside, there has been no such thing between us. It is just like old times. He is very helpful, and he always shares his experiences. I have been asking him for his suggestions. I asked him, 'What would you have done on this wicket if you were the captain?' I like to pick the brains of other players.”
His words also indicate the unity in the Indian dressing room, putting to rest the speculation of tension after the leadership shift. I have a good equation with both Virat and Rohit bhai. I always take their advice, and they are not hesitant when it comes to giving their take,” Gill added.
A new era begins
As the Indian squad left for Australia, cameras captured Rohit embracing Gill warmly and Virat slapping him on the back -a moment that was symbolic of support and continuity. Both Rohit and Virat are coming back to international cricket for the first time since India's Champions Trophy 2025 victory, and the series awaits to be a defining test of form and transition before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
'I idolise them'
Gill was frank about the enormity of having legends to lead that he used to worship as a kid. "I mean, obviously, these are the kind of players I used to idolise when I was growing up. The kind of hunger that they had used to inspire me. It is a big honour for me to be able to lead such legends of the game," he conceded.
He also added, "I am sure there would be so many moments in this series where I would be able to learn from them. If I get in a difficult position, I wouldn't shy away from taking advice from them."
Carrying the legacy forward
Having already taken India to a Test series victory, Gill is aware of the hype around him. "Definitely, very exciting. Big shoes for me to fill in to carry forward the legacy of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. So many experiences and so many learnings I have had," said Gill.
He finished on a positive note, stating, "I have had numerous conversations with both Rohit and Virat on how to take the team forward and what kind of culture they want for the Indian cricket team. I think those learnings and experiences would help our team going forward."
