Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma helped Shubman Gill develop: Gautam Gambhir

Shubman Gill will have two of Indian cricket’s most experienced batsmen alongside him when the West Indies arrive for the three-match ODI series, with Gautam Gambhir highlighting the influence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the young skipper.

Gill, who took over as India’s ODI captain last year, will lead the team against the West Indies, while Kohli and Rohit will return to the national team after the series against England. The first ODI will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, September 27.

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“In one-day cricket, when you talk about it, he’s very lucky to have the likes of Rohit and Virat to help him on and off the field. And then more importantly, I think the calmness, I think I keep the emotions aside because when you’re young you can get really emotional sometimes,” Gambhir said in an interview with Jimi Star.

“SHUBMAN GILL WAS SELFISH, CALM”

Gambhir also praised Gill’s leadership approach and pointed out the various qualities the 26-year-old brought to the role. Gill has been tasked with leading India in the 50-over format as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“He actually ticked all the boxes. He was calm, dedicated, aggressive, said the right things and led by example, not just runs.”

“So I feel he has done all the right things. Hopefully he will get results as well because he has had a bit of a tough time in one-day cricket. But I am sure, I think things will turn around because he has done all the right things,” Gambhir said.

The presence of Rohit and Kohli adds considerable experience to India’s ODI batting line-up. Both veterans were named in the squad for the West Indies series, with Gill continuing as captain and KL Rahul serving as vice-captain.

The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30 before the series concludes with the third match in New Chandigarh on October 3. The wider tour of the West Indies will then continue with a five-match T20I series, concluding in Bengaluru on October 17.

Gill has an impressive record against West Indies in ODIs, scoring 331 runs in six matches at an average of 66.2 and a success rate of 92.71, with a top score of 98. With the experience of Rohit and Kohli around him, Gill will look to build on that record while balancing his duties as India’s ODI captain.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

23 Sep 2026 10:28 IST