In advance of the series opener against Australia, which is set for Sunday, October 19, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Indian ODI skipper Shubman Gill has denied rumors that he and his predecessor Rohit Sharma are at odds. Gill had previously taken over as Test captain before the England trip after Rohit retired.
The decision to give Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy was met with varying reactions from analysts and supporters. Some thought it was a cruel move, given that Rohit had led India to consecutive ICC victories, while others saw it as a step in long-term planning. However, after the leadership change, Shubman Gill stressed that he and Rohit are not hostile and put an end to persistent rumors of a possible schism.
The story that is being told outside is changing, but our relationship is still the same. Everything is the same, and we are exactly as we were before. He’s really helpful. After years of experience, he tells me if he has any observations. If I have any questions, I go ask him and get his opinion. I also ask him what he would have done in such circumstance. I prefer to hear everyone’s opinions before making a final judgment based on my knowledge of the game,” Shubman Gill stated during the Star Sports pre-game news conference.
“With both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai, I have an amazing chemistry. I seek their opinions if I am unsure and heed their counsel. When they are telling me stuff, they never hesitate,” he continued.
Since taking on leadership roles across forms, Shubman Gill has given his batting a new dimension.
After Hardik Pandya left, he was elected captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and has been among the team’s top scorers for the last two seasons. In addition to being the top run scorer in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gill scored a century in the just finished second Test match against the West Indies.
“I wouldn’t say that it just happens.” More responsibility is something I enjoy, and I believe that pressure brings out the best in me. But I think I perform best when I think like a batter and not about being captain when I’m out to bat. Someone puts more pressure on themselves, in my opinion, when they start thinking that way,” Shubman Gill added.
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