By: The Trek News Desk
India’s cricket selectors have agreed on the name of Shubman Gill as the captain for the three-match ODI series against Australia, which is set to take place soon.
According to sources, the selectors had a conversation with the current Test captain and informed him that, with the bigger picture in mind, they intend to retain him as the leader for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. This prestigious tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
At just 26 years old, Gill’s consistent performances across formats make him a strong candidate for the role of captain. In his debut series as Test captain, Gill showcased exceptional form, amassing 754 runs in five matches in England, including four centuries.
His average stood at an impressive 75.40, and the series ended in a 2-2 draw, thus earning Gill high praise. As a key player in the T20 setup, Gill, who hails from Punjab, also opens the innings alongside his teammate Abhishek Sharma.
In 55 ODIs, Gill has accumulated 2775 runs, with an outstanding average of 59.04. This includes eight centuries, one of which was a record-breaking 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad earlier this year. Given his consistent performances, Gill is seen as the ideal candidate for leading India in the future, including the upcoming World Cup.
Current white-ball captain Rohit Sharma will also be part of the squad, bringing in crucial experience to the team. Despite the potential leadership change, both Rohit and former captain Virat Kohli retain their places in the ODI team.
However, it’s essential to note that neither of them has played any competitive cricket for the past eight months, with their last match being the 2023 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where India emerged victorious.
Rohit, who led India to two significant ICC titles, the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Champions Trophy, has experienced a turbulent period recently. After a poor series against Australia, he stepped down as captain for the final Test in Sydney due to a lack of runs. “Runs aren’t coming, but there’s no guarantee I won’t score in the next two or six months. I know what I’m doing,” Rohit had remarked, acknowledging his current form. Subsequently, in May, he resigned from the Test captaincy before the five-match series in England, paving the way for Gill’s appointment as Test captain.
If Gill is officially named the ODI captain for the series against Australia, it will mark a significant shift in Indian cricket’s leadership structure.
The decision would represent a passing of the baton from Rohit to Gill, a younger and dynamic leader, aligning with the vision to build a strong foundation for India’s future in international cricket. This move is seen as a strategic step towards preparing for the long-term challenges, including the ICC World Cup 2027.
Source: News Agencies
