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STUMP VISION OCTOBER 17, 2025 | The Indian Eye 44

Shubman Gill Steps into the Spotlight:

A New Era of Indian ODI Leadership Begins

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping aside from the ODI captaincy, 25-year-old

Shubman Gill finds himself at the heart of India’s next cricketing chapter — one built on

youthful composure and relentless ambition

ASIM KHANNA
New Delhi
hen chief selector Ajit Agarkar con-
firmed that Shubman Gill would take
Wover as India’s ODI captain from the
upcoming tour of Australia, the cricketing world
paused. The announcement, made during India’s
ongoing Test series against the West Indies, marked
not just a change in leadership — it symbolized a
generational shift. For the first time in nearly two
decades, Indian white-ball cricket will move for-
ward without the guiding presence of Rohit Shar-
ma or Virat Kohli at the helm.
For Gill, the task is monumental. “It obviously
is a big responsibility and an even bigger honour,”
he said during a pre-match press conference in
Delhi. “I’m extremely excited to lead my country
in that format. I just want to look forward and win
everything we have in the upcoming months.”
Since making his international debut in 2019,
Shubman Gill has been groomed under the wings
of modern giants — Rohit Sharma’s calm tactical
nous and Virat Kohli’s uncompromising drive for At just 25, Gill already boasts numbers that speak of a prodigy turned powerhouse. In 55 ODIs, he has amassed 2,775 runs at an
excellence. Now, as both stalwarts gradually ease
into the twilight of their careers, Gill stands ready average of 59.04, striking just shy of a run a ball, with eight centuries and 15 half-centuries (ANI file photo)
to translate those lessons into leadership.
At just 25, Gill already boasts numbers that very few players with that kind of legacy,” Gill said. every cent.”
speak of a prodigy turned powerhouse. In 55 “I’ve inherited qualities of calmness and friendship For Gill, nurturing this new generation will be
ODIs, he has amassed 2,775 runs at an average of from Rohit bhai, and the hunger and discipline as vital as scoring runs himself. “I want to build a
59.04, striking just shy of a run a ball, with eight from Virat bhai. I’ll always carry those lessons.” team that plays fearless but responsible cricket,”
centuries and 15 half-centuries. His highest score The upcoming ODI series in Australia will be he said recently. “We have so much young talent
— a blistering 208 — showcased not only timing his first full-time assignment as captain — a baptism — if we channel it right, we can dominate across
and precision but the fearless intent that defines by fire against one of cricket’s toughest opponents formats.”
this new generation of Indian batsmen. in their own backyard. Yet, insiders from the team’s When India begins its ODI series in Australia
But leadership is more than statistics. Gill think tank describe Gill as “methodical” in prepa- on October 19, all eyes will be on the young cap-
acknowledges that his biggest challenge lies not ration, already working with the analytics team to tain from Punjab. The noise around him will be
in stroke-making, but in endurance. “More than understand player match-ups, pitch dynamics, and deafening — comparisons to Kohli’s aggression,
physically, I feel the mental fatigue,” he admitted. rotation plans for India’s packed 2025 calendar. Dhoni’s calmness, and Rohit’s tactical brilliance
“When you are constantly playing, there is a cer- Gill will lead a refreshed squad that reflects In- are inevitable. But Gill seems unfazed, grounded
tain expectation you set for yourself. Keeping up dia’s long-term vision. Alongside established names in purpose rather than pressure.
with that can be challenging. I want to play in all like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant, In just six years, he has transformed from a
formats and win ICC titles for India. That’s what he’ll be supported by rising stars such as Yashas- bright-eyed debutant into the face of India’s crick-
drives me.” vi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dubey eting future. Now, as he leads the Men in Blue into
Gill’s temperament has long been one of his — players who bring flair, fitness, and the kind of a new era, Shubman Gill’s challenge is not to em-
greatest assets. In an era where aggression often attacking instinct that defines the modern game. ulate his predecessors — but to create a legacy of
makes headlines, he remains the picture of poise. Abhishek, currently the world’s top-ranked his own.
Those close to the team say his approach mirrors T20I batter, is one of those expected to play a piv- As Rohit and Virat take a graceful step back,
Rohit’s — measured, thoughtful, and anchored in otal role. His explosive batting in the Asia Cup — Indian cricket’s next story begins — written by a
quiet confidence. 314 runs at a strike rate above 200 — has made captain who believes that calm can conquer cha-
“The experience that both Rohit and Virat have, him a fan favourite. “Abhishek Sharma, pay your os, and that the future belongs to those who stay
and the matches they’ve won for India — there are money to go watch him,” said Haddin. “He’s worth grounded even as they rise.

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