Newly appointed Indian captain Shubman Gill has shut down the chances of any more controversial storyline after dismissing speculations about his strained relationship with former skipper Rohit Sharma.
India are already in Australia for the long-awaited white-ball series, as the series begins tomorrow on October 19. The Indian team is likely to stay till November 9 and then return to take part in another long home series against WTC defending champions South Africa.
So, for Shubman Gill and Co., the coming two months will be filled with important international cricket activities across all three formats. However, the focus of Indian legends Rohit and Virat will be only on limited ODI matches.
Shubman Gill said, “The narrative going on outside is different, but there is nothing different in our relationship now.”
Just ahead of the Australia tour, which was anticipated not only because of the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but also because of the clash between ICC World Cup 2023 finalists, India and Australia, another layer of anticipation was added. Shubman Gill was appointed as the new captain of the ODI team in place of Champions Trophy-winning captain Rohit Sharma.
Since the announcement, Indian fans have been divided between those supporting the BCCI’s move and those criticizing the BCCI, the Indian management, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill. There has also been speculation about a strained relationship between Gill and his batting partner.
Refuting all such claims made on social media, Shubman Gill confirmed, “The narrative that is going on outside is different, but there is nothing different in our relationship now. We are the same as before, everything is the same.”
I like to know everyone’s views and then, make the final decision based on my understanding of the game” – Gill
He is about to make his debut as captain on Australian soil and has no experience on one of the most challenging tracks in world cricket. However, unlike the England tour, where he made his debut as Test captain, here he has the guidance of the most senior Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Gill noted Rohit Sharma’s support and the possibility of former captains helping the young skipper, saying, “He is very helpful. If after his years of experience he makes any comments, he lets me know and if there is something I want to ask him, I go and ask him and ask his opinion and ask what he would have done in such a situation.”
“I like to hear everyone’s thoughts and then make the final decision based on my understanding of the game.” Gill’s words reflect the true spirit of captaincy.
Shubman Gill gets the privilege of captaining Rohit-Kohli for India
At the press conference held before the start of the series on Sunday, he praised the two Indian legends, while also mentioning his privilege of leading a team of two great players.
A fan of Kohli-Rohit, Gill is on his way to become India’s captain across all formats in the coming years. He has already commanded both the formats and will also be made the captain of the T20 team.
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