Shubman Gill has been advised not to manage Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Shubman Gill will face a special challenge in handling the expectations of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
The upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia has become one of the most awaited contests for Team India, mainly due to the return of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Although India recently celebrated a major victory by winning the Asia Cup 2025 (T20 format), the excitement for this series is even greater. This will mark the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy that Kohli and Rohit will don the Indian jersey again, but this time, under the leadership of a new captain, Shubman Gill.
A Fresh Chapter: Young Captain, Experienced Stars
Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s captain for the Australia tour after the BCCI selection committee decided to step Rohit Sharma down, despite his vast experience and impressive record as skipper in the format.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has advised the newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, not to worry too much about managing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. According to Parthiv, both senior players are experienced and fully aware of their responsibilities and the team’s dynamics. Therefore, Gill doesn’t need to get involved in handling their roles closely.
“I don’t think it will be an issue, considering the personalities of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma,” Parthiv said in an interview with PTI. “Look at Virat, he took over as captain while MS Dhoni was still in the team. He understands the importance of a senior player’s role in guiding a new skipper.”
“It was a similar situation when Rohit took over as captain. Though Virat wasn’t his senior, he was still a former skipper. Both have experienced such transitions and understand that these decisions are made for the betterment of Indian cricket,” Parthiv added. “They’ve always shown maturity, so I don’t think Shubman needs to spend his energy managing the senior players.”
While Kohli has already played under Rohit’s leadership after stepping down as India’s captain, watching Shubman Gill lead the team will be a completely new experience for both the seasoned stars.