Shubman Gill gives first reaction after replacing Rohit Sharma as ODI captain

Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as the new ODI captain as India embark on a new leadership era in the ODI format. After being named the Test captain, Gill now takes the reins in the ODI format too with the Australia series being his first assignment as skipper. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member Indian squad for the away ODI series against the Aussies that kick off from October 19. Rohit and Virat Kohli are back in the team but both the players will be playing as pure batters with Gill being the new skipper.

Gill has shared his initial reaction after being appointed to the top role. "It’s the biggest honour to be able to lead your country in the ODIs. To be able to lead a side that has done so well it’s immense pride for me. I hope I’ll be able to do great," Gill said in the video posted by the BCCI.

The 26-year-old highlighted that the 'ultimate goal' is the ODI World Cup 2027 and the team needs to work in the ODIs lined up ahead.

"We have about 20 ODIs before we play the World Cup in South Africa, which is obviously the ultimate goal. Everything that we play and all the players that we play, they are going to try their best to have a great season before we get to the World Cup. Hopefully, we will be ready



before we go to South Africa and win the title," he added.

Gill will be central in building India's team for the ODI World Cup 2027 as the Men in Blue look to clinch the title after last lifting it in 2011 and falling agonisingly short in 2023. On Gill being named the captain, chief selector Ajit Agarkar reasoned that a new captain needs time ahead of the World Cup.

"It's practically impossible to have three different captains for three formats in terms of planning. You’ve got to start planning. You also play it [ODIs] the least. We are two years away [2027 World Cup]. We don’t play as many games. It is a bit of a challenge with one-day cricket. The focus has been on the T20 World Cup. We will surely start planning for the ODI World Cup. It gives the next guy enough time," Agarkar said during a media briefing shortly after India's squad for the Australia series was announced.

"You’ve also got to give the guy enough time. He’s been the vice-captain in the ODI format for a while now. That’s how it works."

Meanwhile, Rohit was informed about the change in leadership. "We don’t play too many ODIs, and we need to give the next guy enough time. How Rohit has taken the decision to change captain is between him and the selection committee," Agarkar added.