‘I won’t be shy…’- Shubman Gill speaks on leading Rohit-Virat:India’s new ODI skipper explains his plan with star cricketers; Men in Blue sweat with fielding

Less than one day is left in the first appearance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in white-ball cricket after seven months. Notably, it will be the first time that both of them will be playing under the captaincy of Shubman Gill in his maiden white-ball assignment. Now speaking about leading the star cricketing duo, Indian skipper Shubman Gill, on Saturday, hailed their experience and skills. He called them “probably the best white-ball players in the world” ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Perth. The first ODI between India and Australia will take place on Sunday in Perth at the Optus Stadium. And Shubman Gill clearly does not underestimate the value, Ro-Ko bring on the table as players on overseas tour Down Under. ‘I won’t be shy from taking suggestions in difficult situations’: Shubman Gill Since it is the first time that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be playing just as players since the MS Dhoni era in 2016, it will be worth watching how Gill takes the opportunity as a captain and leads the star duo. While speaking on leading the big two ahead of the Perth ODI, Gill said to the media: These are the kind of players I used to idolise when I was a kid. The kind of game they used to play, the hunger they had that inspired me, it’s a big honour for me to lead such legends of the game, learn from them. I won’t be shy in taking any suggestions in difficult situations from them during the series. Notably, it will be India’s first white-ball assignment since the Champions Trophy Final 2025. Also, there is doubt around a sudden return to the ODI format against a strong opponent like Australia as well. However, India’s new skipper seems to be confident about the team and especially Kohli and Rohit. ‘They(Ro-Ko) are the best white ball players in the world’: Gill Speaking on the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in blues after a long period of seven months, during which both legends also announced their Test retirement in June 2025, Gill told the media: “Yes, definitely the kind of skills and experience they bring to the team is massive, and they are probably the best white ball players in the world.” As Gill and the squad buckle up for the first ODI game vs Australia in Optimus Stadium on 19 October, the Indian team shared the fielding drills that Team India went through in the training session, having stunning visuals of Ro-Ko. Fielding stays the focus after Asia Cup blunders Indian cricket team management posted a video on Instagram on Saturday that reflected the visuals of the whole squad, including Virat and Rohit, going through intense fielding drills. It is worth noting that Men in Blue dropped 12 catches during the Asia Cup, and it has been an area of improvement since then. Let’s take a look at the video released by BCCI on Saturday. This will be Gill’s first assignment as ODI skipper after replacing Rohit Sharma. He was tasked to lead India for a gruelling five-match Test tour of England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Gill piled up a record-shattering 754 runs at 75.40, with a career-best 269, as the series concluded level on 2-2. Then he also sealed the West Indies 2-0 at home, now it’s time to prove his leadership mettle as white-ball captain as well.