Shubman Gill Praises Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Ahead of ODI Series vs Australia. Indian captain Shubman Gill has lauded the immense skills and experience that senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bring to the team. Speaking ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia in Perth, Gill called it an honour to lead two legends widely regarded as some of the best white-ball players in international cricket.
Rohit and Kohli are set to return to the national squad for the ODI series against Australia, having last played international cricket during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in March. This series will also mark their first international outing following their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year.
Shubman Gill, appointed India’s new ODI captain ahead of the Australia tour, took over the role from Rohit Sharma. The right-handed batsman has already shown exceptional leadership in Tests, guiding India to a 2-2 draw against England in a five-match series in August and leading the team to a 2-0 whitewash against the West Indies in the recent home series.
“It’s a Huge Honour to Lead Such Legends”: Shubman Gill
Ahead of India’s first ODI in Perth, Shubman Gill spoke to the media about the privilege of sharing the dressing room with cricketing greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gill highlighted the wealth of experience they bring and expressed his excitement at leading and learning from players he admired as a child.
“Yes, the skills and experience they bring to the team are massive. They are probably the best white-ball players in the world. These are the players I idolized growing up,” said the 26-year-old opener.
Shubman Gill added, “The way they played the game, the hunger and passion they showed, inspired me a lot. It’s a huge honour to lead such legends, and I’ll certainly not hesitate to take advice from them in challenging situations during the series.”
Gill and Rohit previously opened for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and are expected to continue as the opening pair in the upcoming series against Australia. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, batting at number three, will look to replicate his IPL 2025 form, where he ended the season as the third-highest run-scorer.
Earlier this year in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Gill impressed with a century and a fifty in five games, finishing with an impressive average of 54.50, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most promising white-ball talents.