Shubman Gill knew of ODI captaincy appointment before West Indies Test

When a captain who recently lifted the Champions Trophy is replaced, it’s never a sudden call — and Rohit Sharma’s removal as India’s ODI skipper was no exception. The decision, taken by the Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar along with head coach Gautam Gambhir and other BCCI officials, came after careful consideration. The leadership baton has now been passed to Shubman Gill.

Gill revealed that he was informed about his appointment shortly before the first Test against the West Indies, even though the official announcement came right after India’s two-and-a-half-day victory in the match. The 25-year-old will begin his tenure as ODI captain in the upcoming series against Australia later this month.

“Yes, it was announced during the Test, but I got to know a little earlier,” Gill said ahead of the second Test in New Delhi. “It’s a huge responsibility and an even bigger honour. I’m very excited to lead my country in this format.”

Already captaining India in Tests, Gill described the past few months as a whirlwind but said his focus remains firmly on the future.

“The last few months have been very exciting for me. But I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. I want to stay in the present, not dwell on what I or the team have achieved. The goal is to win everything that’s coming up,” he said.

The young skipper also acknowledged the mental and physical demands of playing across all three formats.

“Physically, I usually feel fine, but at times there’s mental fatigue. The expectations I set for myself can be challenging,” Gill admitted. “But that’s part of playing all formats for India. If I want to succeed and win ICC titles, I have to embrace this challenge.”

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Gill’s promotion is seen as part of India’s long-term transition plan under Gambhir’s guidance, emphasizing stability and consistency. He described his working relationship with the coach as straightforward and open.

“Our relationship is very simple. We often discuss how to make players feel secure and what combinations work best,” Gill said.

He also stressed the importance of developing a strong and steady core group, especially among fast bowlers.

“We want to focus on a consistent 15–18-member squad. A key area is strengthening our fast-bowling pool. We have talented pacers, and it’s important to keep them involved so they’re ready for tours to places like South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand,” he added.