India’s newly-appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, is ready to lead the team in the upcoming three-match series against Australia, starting October 19. This marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, with Gill taking the reins from Rohit Sharma, as the team looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes the transition will be smooth, citing the maturity of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both Kohli and Rohit have been included in the squad for the Australia series and are expected to play key roles in supporting the younger captain.
Gill’s Leadership Backed by Kohli and Rohit’s Experience
Parthiv Patel feels that the leadership dynamics between Shubman Gill and his senior teammates won’t be an issue due to the professional attitudes of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In a recent interview, Parthiv said, “I don’t think it will be a problem because of the kind of characters Virat and Rohit are. Both have been through the transition phase themselves.”
He pointed out that Kohli had assumed the captaincy while MS Dhoni was still playing, and understood the importance of supporting a new captain. Similarly, Rohit, despite not being a direct senior to Kohli, stepped into the leadership role with maturity and guidance.
This track record of leadership transitions in Indian cricket indicates that both Kohli and Rohit will have no trouble backing Gill. As Parthiv put it, “Both of them always come across as mature. I don’t think Shubman needs to put in his energies behind managing those senior players.”
Kohli and Rohit’s Focus on Domestic Cricket for World Cup Preparation
With both Kohli and Rohit away from competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 and their last international appearances in the 2025 Champions Trophy, they are set to remain active in domestic cricket to stay in contention for the 2027 World Cup. The duo has agreed to the chief selector’s suggestion to feature in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, which will run from December 24 to January 18.
This provides Kohli and Rohit with the opportunity to play domestic One-Day cricket, keeping them match-fit and in good form ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Parthiv Patel strongly endorses this move, saying, “Playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy will help their own game, and that in turn will help the Indian cricket team.”
Given the lack of ODI fixtures in the coming years, this domestic exposure will help the veterans stay sharp. Parthiv further emphasized that it’s not about setting an example for others, but rather about ensuring Kohli and Rohit are in peak condition when needed by the Indian team.
With this strategy in place, both experienced players could feature in up to five matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, before rejoining the national squad for the series against New Zealand in January. Though it’s unlikely that either player will participate in the full tournament, this approach provides flexibility for their World Cup preparation.
Conclusion
Shubman Gill’s appointment as ODI captain is seen as part of a long-term strategy, with India looking to build a strong team for the 2027 World Cup. Kohli and Rohit’s leadership experience will undoubtedly support Gill as he navigates his first series as captain. Additionally, their commitment to playing domestic cricket ensures they remain match-fit and ready for the challenges ahead, keeping India’s chances strong for the next ODI World Cup.
