Gambhir backs Gill (Source: @ShubmanGill7fc/x.com)
After a commanding Test series win over the West Indies, India now turns its focus to an exciting white-ball clash against Australia just days away. Ahead of stepping into the thrilling series, Shubman Gill took charge of the India's ODI side, replacing Rohit Sharma.
The Indian team management’s bold move to name Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain sparked widespread debate. After the thrilling Test victory against the West Indies, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir backs Gill, calling him the deserving choice for the role.
Gambhir backs Gill amid captaincy controversy
After Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, Shubman Gill was appointed Team India’s Test skipper. Setting eyes on the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Indian team management took a massive decision of appointing Shubman Gill as India’s ODI skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. The move sparked buzz and raised questions on Hitman’s ODI future.
After taking up the new role, Gill faced immense backlash, but head coach Gautam Gambhir backed him amidst all the controversies. After India’s Test series win over the West Indies, Gambhir emphasized that Gill earned the captaincy through sheer hard work and dedication.
“(By) just allowing him to be himself. I think no one has done him a favour by appointing him the Test captain or (the) one-day captain. I think he deserves every bit of it,” Gambhir said.
Test captaincy debut sees Gill conquer tough English challenge
Back in June 2025, Shubman Gill was appointed Team India’s 37th Test captain, and facing England in their home condition was not an easy task for captain Gill. But he conquered on challenging English soil with his bat and guided the side to some glorious victories. While backing Gill, Gautam Gambhir said Gill has already proven himself in the ultimate captaincy test.
“I think he's worked hard. He has already passed his toughest test as captain -- that was in England, five Tests away from home in tough conditions against a quality team. I know it's tough for him...and I've said it many times, that England was probably the toughest Test for him. Five Test matches over the course of two, two and a half months, against a quality England side. What more could he have faced?” he added.
Putting aside the previous challenges, the Aussie threats are waiting for captain Shubman Gill as he is all set to make his ODI captaincy debut in Australia. With the first ODI slated for October 19, India’s campaign receives a major boost with the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Fans eagerly await an electrifying showdown in Australia’s challenging conditions.
