Shubman Gill Ready to Lead Kohli and Rohit in Australia
Parthiv Patel, a former cricketer and now batting coach for Gujarat Titans, believes that Shubman Gill is well-equipped to lead veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Australia series. He emphasizes that both Rohit and Virat are flexible individuals who understand the dynamics of supporting a new captain. Patel stated that their maturity will ease Gill’s transition into leadership.
Patel pointed out that Virat Kohli took on captaincy when MS Dhoni was still active, which gave him valuable insights into the role of senior players in nurturing new leaders. Similarly, Rohit Sharma became captain with Kohli by his side, which has provided a mutual understanding of how to navigate the challenges of leadership.
As Gill is set to take over the ODI captaincy ahead of the Australia tour, there’s a strong focus on preparing for the 2027 World Cup. Patel remarked on the importance of fitness for the two seasoned players, who will need to stay in shape for the challenges ahead. He mentioned that while India will participate in the T20 World Cup, both Kohli and Rohit have retired from T20s after the 2024 World Cup.
To maintain their form, Patel recommends that Kohli and Rohit participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He believes that this participation should not be seen merely as setting an example but rather as a way to enhance their own game. This, in turn, would benefit the Indian cricket team by keeping them match-ready.
With the landscape of international cricket changing, Patel acknowledges that staying fit and competitive is a new challenge. The lack of frequent ODI matches compared to previous years makes it crucial for players to find ways to remain in rhythm. Patel emphasizes that two years before the World Cup is a lengthy period, and maintaining match fitness will be essential for both veterans.
In conclusion, Patel’s insights highlight the importance of leadership, teamwork, and personal commitment in Indian cricket as they prepare for significant upcoming tournaments.
