Shubman Gill opens up on any ‘rift’ between him & ex-ODI skipper Rohit Sharma before IND vs AUS

In a week when social media buzzed with speculation about a supposed strain between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, the newly-appointed India ODI captain put all doubts to rest with calm assurance.

Ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, Gill addressed the media and made it clear that the camaraderie between him and Rohit remains unchanged despite the baton of leadership having now officially passed. Well, the way Gill was made India’s ODI captain took everyone by surprise. After all, Rohit did nothing wrong and won India the ODI Champions Trophy the last time he played for the nation.

However, in a press conference after the India vs West Indies first Test, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced Gill’s elevation as new leader. He told that he sought the understanding of Rohit prior to the announcement but his words didn’t sit well with many fans. Some assumed that Rohit didn’t want to give up the captaincy.

‘Everything is the same between us,’ says Gill

India’s decision to name Gill as the full-time ODI captain, following Rohit’s retirement from Tests and T20Is, sparked mixed reactions among fans and experts. Some hailed it as a forward-looking move for the future, while others believed Rohit deserved to continue after guiding India to consecutive ICC titles. But for Gill, there’s no question of rivalry but only respect and learning.

When asked about his current relationship with Rohit, Gill spoke candidly, brushing aside the noise surrounding their dynamic.

“The narrative that is going on outside is different, but there is nothing different in our relationship now. We are just like how we used to be before and everything is the same. He is very helpful. If there is any observation he makes after his years of experience, he tells me, and if there is anything I want to ask him, I go and ask his opinion,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference, via Star Sports.

“I like to get the thoughts of everyone, and then based on my understanding of the game, take the final decision.” Gill also extended his gratitude to both Rohit and Virat Kohli, calling them two of the most influential figures in his career so far.

“I have a terrific equation with both Rohit bhai and Virat bhai. Whenever I have any doubts, I ask for their suggestions and take their advice. They never hesitate in helping me,” he added. This comes after Gill said that he wants to imbibe the calmness of Rohit Sharma during his captaincy tenure.

Gill opens up on captaincy & responsibility

The 26-year-old has already captained India in Tests and was Rohit’s deputy during the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Since taking up leadership duties, his numbers with the bat not only have improved but also have skyrocketed. He won the dressing room over by being the highest run-getter at the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. The comeback at The Oval, which drew the series 2-2, all but confirmed what had long been expected. Gill was earmarked as the face of Indian cricket.

Speaking about the challenge of leading a new-look side against Australia, Gill admitted that the real test is mental, not technical. “It’s a bit of a challenge whenever you switch formats. The challenge is more mental than physical, I would say. It’s about making that mental switch and getting back to basics after a couple of practice sessions,” he said.

The skipper also praised the presence of Rohit and Kohli in the ODI setup, calling it “a blessing” to have their experience and skill at his disposal. “Obviously big shoes for me to fill in — carrying forward the legacy of Mahi bhai, Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. I’ve had many conversations with both Rohit bhai and Virat bhai about the kind of culture we want to build going ahead. It’s an honour to lead players I’ve grown up watching,” Gill said.

This is something that Axar Patel alluded to as well, saying that it is perfect for Gill to have both Rohit and Kohli on his side in the early part of his captaincy tenure. With India returning to 50-over cricket after almost an eight-month gap, the Perth ODI marks the dawn of the start of a new series, and the beginning of a fresh leadership chapter under Shubman Gill.