Former West Indies bowler turned commentator, Ian Bishop, expressed confidence in Shubman Gill’s new role as captain of India’s One Day International (ODI) team. With seasoned players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still part of the squad, Bishop believes Gill has strong mentors to support him in his leadership journey.
Gill, recently appointed as India’s ODI captain for the upcoming Australia tour, marks a significant milestone in his career progression. The 25-year-old batsman has been a consistent performer in the ODI format for the past two years and now faces the added challenge of leading the team as they prepare for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
In an interview with PTI Videos, Bishop emphasized that while Gill has the right temperament and skills for captaincy, both fans and experts should allow him time to develop his tactical acumen.
“He’ll be fine. Those two guys (Rohit and Kohli) will help him along the way. He will grow in the job,” Bishop stated. “He’s nowhere near the finished article. People have to give him that chance to grow as a captain — and as a batsman, he will grow as well.”
Highlighting the value of having Rohit and Kohli, renowned captains and cricketing greats, by Gill’s side, Bishop underscored the importance of their mentorship in guiding the young captain through the challenges of international leadership.
“He has the temperament and the skill to lead,” Bishop remarked. “But the growth in captaincy and tactics is something that will take a couple of seasons to grow into. I’m sure he’ll get help from the two veterans.”
Regarding the potential participation of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 World Cup, Bishop noted that the final decision rests with the players themselves, based on their determination and fitness levels.
Meanwhile, India recently concluded a dominant Test series against the West Indies, once again showcasing their superior quality and signaling a shift in world cricket dynamics as emerging leaders like Shubman Gill take the spotlight.