Newly-appointed ODI skipper Gill insists senior pros Sharma, Kohli are very much part of team’s World Cup setup; lauds the skill, experience, and calmness they bring to dressing room
Former India skipper Rohit Sharma (left) and Virat Kohli. Pic/AFP
India’s newly-appointed ODI skipper Shubman Gill on Thursday said senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain a part of the team’s 2027 World Cup plans as their skill levels and voluminous experience cannot be ignored.
Gill, who replaced a very successful Rohit as leader of the ODI pack, also said that he would like to create friendships like his illustrious predecessor did during his nearly four-year stint. The 26-year-old Gill is already leading the Indian Test side.
Asked if he feels Rohit and Kohli are in the scheme of things for the 2027 World Cup, Gill wasn’t as cagey as chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, who was non-committal on the issue during a recent press conference.
“Of course. The experience that they [Rohit and Kohli] both have and the number of matches that they have won for India. There are very few players who have won so many matches for India,” Gill said while fielding a number of queries on his elevation.
“There are very few players in the world who have so much skill, quality and the experience that they have. So, in that sense, I’m very happy,” the young skipper said.
While Rohit is 38 now, Kohli is 36. Both have retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, making their India appearances rare. The duo will next be seen during a three-match ODI tour of Australia from October 19 to 25.
Gill said he wants to imbibe the calmness and camaraderie that Rohit brought to the dressing room during his stint. “There are so many qualities that I want to inherit from Rohit bhai. One is the calmness that he possesses and the kind of friendships that he has created among the group is something that I aspire,” he said.
While Agarkar announced his appointment after India won the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, Gill confirmed that he had been informed of the promotion a few days before that.
765
No. of runs scored by Virat Kohli in the 2023 ODI World Cup — the most by any batter @ 95.62
597
No. of runs scored by Rohit Sharma in the 2023 ODI World Cup — second only to Kohli @ 54.27
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