Shubman Gill is stepping into one of Indian cricket’s most high-profile roles—but he’s making it clear he’s not doing it alone. In a candid new interview, the newly appointed ODI captain opened up about his close bond with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, debunking rumors of tension and revealing how the two legends are actively mentoring him through this pivotal transition .
Table of Contents
- Gill on Rohit: “No Rift—Only Respect”
- Learning from Kohli: The Art of Intensity
- Captaincy Philosophy: Building on a Legacy
- What This Means for India’s ODI Future
- Sources
Gill on Rohit: “No Rift—Only Respect”
Speculation about friction between Gill and Rohit Sharma has swirled since Gill was named ODI skipper following Sharma’s international retirement. But Gill shut down those rumors emphatically. “There’s zero truth to any so-called rift,” he said. “Rohit bhai has been incredibly supportive—calling me, sharing insights, even sending me clips of past games with notes.”
He described Sharma not just as a former captain, but as a “big brother” figure who continues to offer tactical advice and emotional grounding. “He told me, ‘Lead with your bat, but listen with your heart.’ That stuck with me,” Gill shared.
Learning from Kohli: The Art of Intensity
When it comes to Virat Kohli, Gill’s tone shifts to one of deep admiration. Though Kohli has scaled back his ODI commitments, Gill revealed the superstar still pulls him aside before matches. “He doesn’t give long speeches. He just looks at you and says, ‘Own this moment.’ That intensity? It’s contagious.”
Gill credits Kohli with teaching him how to channel pressure into performance—a skill he’ll need as he leads a young Indian side into a new era.
Captaincy Philosophy: Building on a Legacy
At just 25, Gill is India’s youngest ODI captain in over a decade. But he’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, he’s weaving together the best of what he’s learned:
| Influence | Lesson | How Gill Applies It |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Calm under pressure, team-first mindset | Delegates leadership to seniors; avoids micromanaging |
| Virat Kohli | Relentless standards, emotional honesty | Demands accountability but celebrates effort publicly |
| His own style | Modern, data-aware, empathetic | Uses analytics for field placements; checks in on players’ mental health |
What This Means for India’s ODI Future
Gill’s seamless integration of legacy and innovation could be exactly what India needs post-2023 World Cup disappointment. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, his ability to unite experience (Kohli, Jadeja) with youth (Jaiswal, Rana) will be critical.
Crucially, Gill’s humility—his willingness to learn from those he’s replacing—sets a powerful tone. As he put it: “I’m not here to replace legends. I’m here to stand on their shoulders and help the next generation reach higher.”