Shubman Gill breaks silence on captaining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, dismisses ‘outside narrative’: 'Nothing has changed'

India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill finally addressed the burning topic of captaining Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the first time in his career on Saturday, insisting that “nothing has changed” between them and dismissing the “outside narrative” of a potential breakdown in relations.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the first ODI between Australia and India at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Gill claimed he still has a “very good relationship” with the two stalwarts of Indian cricket who have achieved tremendous success leading the national team, and continues to seek their advice from time to time.

“I think the narrative outside is different, but among us, nothing has changed. Everything is the same as it was before, and that is very helpful. Whatever they feel—their experience, whatever they have learned, whether by reading the pitch or any situation—I go to them and ask what they think, how they would do it if they were in my place. I like knowing people’s thoughts and then, based on my own understanding of the game, I make my decisions accordingly.

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“I have a very good relationship with both Virat bhai and Rohit bhai. Whenever I have a doubt about anything, I go to them, take their suggestions, seek their advice, and they never hesitate to tell me anything. See, I think that’s the real wealth of experience,” he added.

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Gill had led India for the first time in the five-Test series in England, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate and took place after both Rohit and Kohli had announced their retirements from the five-day format.

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Rohit was then stripped of ODI captaincy during chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s announcement of India’s squads for the Australia tour, the responsibility now falling on Gill's shoulders with Suryakumar Yadav continuing to lead the Men in Blue in Twenty20 Internationals.

Gill admits he has ‘big shoes to fill’

Gill, who will continue opening the batting with Rohit in the 50-over format with Kohli coming in at No 3, went on to add that he has idolised both stars since childhood. As for leading India for the first time in white-ball cricket, that too in the 50-over game, Gill admitted he has massive shoes to fill considering the legacy left behind by former captains Rohit, Kohli and MS Dhoni.

“I mean, obviously, these are the kind of players I used to idolise when I was growing up. The kind of hunger that they had used to inspire me. It is a big honour for me to be able to lead such legends of the game. I am sure there would be so many moments in this series where I would be able to learn from them. If I get in a difficult position, I wouldn’t shy away from taking advice from them,” Gill continued.

“Definitely, very exciting. Big shoes for me to fill in to carry forward the legacy of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. So many experiences and so many learnings I have had. I have had numerous conversations with both Rohit and Virat on how to take the team forward and what kind of culture they want for the Indian cricket team. I think those learnings and experiences would help our team going forward,” he added.

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While Rohit and Kohli have been included for the ODI leg of the Australia tour, in which the second and third matches take place in Adelaide (23 October) and Sydney (25 October) respectively, chief selector Agarkar has refused to confirm their place in the Men in Blue’s plans for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.