Vadodara, Jan 10: India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill says the presence of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be key as India prepare for their three-match series against New Zealand, beginning Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the opening fixture, Gill emphasised how reassuring it is to have two of the game’s modern greats in the squad, both for guidance and pressure moments.
“Rohit is one of the greatest ODI openers ever and Virat bhai is one of the greatest ODI batters,” Gill said. “When you’re in a difficult situation, they’ve lived those moments so many times—you can always turn to them and learn.”
Both Sharma and Kohli have thrived since narrowing their focus to the 50-over format last year, with Rohit averaging nearly 70 and Kohli striking at close to a hundred runs an innings.Gill also opened up on his exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad, saying he understood the selectors’ call despite personal disappointment.“Every player wants to be part of a World Cup-winning team,” he noted. “But I respect the decision and wish the boys all the success. I really hope they bring the trophy home.”
The 26-year-old returns after a difficult spell on the sidelines, having taken charge of the ODI setup against Australia before a neck injury in South Africa ruled him out of both Tests and the ODI leg of that tour.
Gill admitted the layoff was mentally tough, especially after being handed the captaincy.
“It’s frustrating to sit out when your team is playing and you’ve just started leading,” he said. “You want to do so much, but you have to focus on rehab and go step by step.”With limited ODIs in the upcoming calendar before next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Gill said India must use every game to test combinations and sharpen roles.New Zealand also remain a sentimental opponent for the young captain—Gill won the 2018 Under-19 World Cup against the Black Caps and made his senior ODI debut against them the following year.
“New Zealand has always given me fond memories,” he smiled. “Whenever we play them, there’s a special excitement.”
India and New Zealand meet in the first ODI in Vadodara on January 11, followed by five T20Is.With a blend of experience, returning stars and a captain eager to stamp his identity, India head into the New Zealand series with clarity and purpose. The challenge now lies in translating plans into performance as Gill looks to steer a settled group through a crucial stretch of limited-overs cricket in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup. (Agencies)
