‘Perfect for Shubman Gill’: Axar Patel on presence of Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma for new ODI captain

Axar Patel's inclusion has left Ravindra Jadeja out of India's squad for the 3 ODI vs Australia.

The current Indian Test team has been under a transition after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, the one-day international side is not far off it either, with Shubman Gill elevating to a new role of being India’s ODI skipper. He will have a tough task in hand first, with Australia waiting in the wings. Captaining in ODIs could be intimidating for some but Indian all-rounder Axar Patel feels that it is the perfect time for Gill to lead.

Talking to reporters two days before the first ODI in Perth, Axar talked about the transition period and mentioned the luxury of having both experienced players alongside a young lot. While labelling himself as a bridge between experienced and young players, Axar revealed how the talks in the dressing rooms help newcomers to showcase their mettle on the field.

Axar Patel on Shubman Gill’s captaincy

“They are great examples for Shubman Gill. Virat (Kohli) Bhai and Rohit (Sharma) Bhai are both here. As I said about the current transition period of the Indian team, it is great that we have experienced players alongside the younger lot. So, they gel well together and talk about cricket in the dressing room. That experience is used on the field.”

What was fascinating to hear was Axar talk about Gill’s captaincy in the presence of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, alongside his chairmen of selectors, announced Gill as the new ODI skipper, taking the mantle off from Rohit. While it won’t be easy initially, Axar told reporters that Gill is lucky to have both Rohit and Kohli on his side. Gill can pick their brains and grow his captaincy credentials amidst the star duo.

“I think it is perfect for Gill for his captaincy that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are with him. So, those two can give their inputs to Gill, who will have an advantage to grow his captaincy credentials.”

All the major headlines, and deservedly so, have been grabbed by the arrival of Rohit and Kohli. They return in India colors for the first time ever since the ODI Champions Trophy Final in March. Now retired from the other two formats, ODI remains the only focus for them as the duo eyes the ODI World Cup 2027. But for that, they have some pressure on their backs to perform in the India vs Australia series. Every dismissal would be criticised this time.