TOP STORIES

"These are the kind of players I used to idolise when I was growing up": Shubman Gill on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of 1st ODI vs Australia

Saturday, 18-Oct-2025 â—Ź 1 day ago
News

As India prepare to face Australia in a much-anticipated three-match ODI series, a new chapter in Indian cricket is set to unfold with Shubman Gill set to step into the role of captain for the first time in an ODI. He will be leading a squad that includes two of India's most celebrated cricketers – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill recently succeeded Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain, and he already leads India in Test cricket. Speaking ahead of the first ODI, Gill emphasised that stepping into the captain’s shoes hasn’t changed his relationship with Rohit Sharma.

"I think whatever the narrative outside may be, nothing has changed between us. Everything is the same as it was before, and he is very helpful. I go to him and ask what he thinks, how he would do it if he were in my position. I like to know people's thoughts, and then, based on my own understanding of the game, I make my decisions," Gill said while speaking to reporters.

Gill has embraced the opportunity and is ready to carry forward the legacy established by his predecessors. This transitional phase offers Gill a great opportunity to live up to the expectations as India build up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"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."

"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."

Gill also lauded Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and shared how he used to idolise them when he was growing up.

"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. 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."

Tags

More News

News

Captain Marsh stars as Australia beat India in rain-hit first ODI in Perth

5 hrs ago

Australia completely outplayed India in a rain-marred opening ODI at Optus Stadium on Sunday, claiming a comfortable seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match was disrupted by four separate rain interruptions, leading the match officials to reduce it to 26 overs per side. Meanwhile, India, after being put into bat, could only ...


News

Zimbabwe replace Afghanistan in Pakistan's upcoming T20I tri-series

13 hrs ago

Zimbabwe have been named as the replacement for Afghanistan in Pakistan's upcoming T20I tri-series at home. The series, set to take place from November 17 to 29, will be played across Lahore and Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will also be participating in the tournament, making it a three-nation affair.

The change comes following an official withd...


News

AUS vs IND, 1st ODI: Shubman Gill set to begin ODI captaincy stint as Rohit and Kohli return to boost India

1 day ago

Australia and India are set to renew their cricketing rivalry on Sunday in Perth as the first ODI of a three-match series gets underway. Australia, who have been historically dominant on their home soil, will look to maintain their stronghold, while India, buoyed by a strong squad, will hope to halt Australia's winning momentum.

Australia's record at home...


News

"He's doing well as a captain": Axar Patel lauds Shubman Gill ahead of 1st ODI vs Australia

1 day ago

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has expressed strong confidence in Shubman Gill’s ability to replicate his red-ball captaincy success as he prepares to lead India in his first ODI series as skipper. India are set to face Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday in Perth. Gill, who made an impressive captaincy debut in the longer format earli...


News

"In two years' time, we don't know what the situation...": Ajit Agarkar on Rohit, Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup

1 day ago

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, weighing in on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will feature in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, said it's too early to make any definitive calls about the 2027 World Cup. India are set to play a three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19 in Perth, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are part ...