Indian Cricket Team’s young batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain of the squad, along with the Test format. However, for the T20I format, it is Suryakumar Yadav who leads the charge. Former England spinner Monty Panesar has claimed the BCCI’s appointment of Gill as the new ODI captain as a masterstroke.
Previously, it was Rohit Sharma who was the captain of the side. After India’s Champions Trophy win, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from the red-ball format, meaning they will only play in ODIs. Panesar believes that young Gill is a natural leader who will be ready to take up the new responsibility of the ODI squad.
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BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar claimed that he personally informed Rohit Sharma of the decision. Gill will be leading the Men in Blue in ODIs for the very first time when they take on Australia for 3 ODI games, which begins on 19th October.
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Monty Panesar backs Shubman Gill’s appointment as ODI captain
"Well, I think it is a great decision because I think he has done really well. Making him captain while Rohit Sharma is there, he can help him and guide him during the series. It is a really good move. We have seen he is a natural leader that we have seen in England," Panesar told ANI.
"When you give him responsibility, you see the best of Shubman Gill. I think we will see the best of him in the ODI series. I wouldn't be surprised that they give him the T20I captaincy because I think he is a type of player who does well when you give him responsibility," the former England spinner concluded.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is ready to give his best as the captain of the ODI squad. He has already set his target for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. India came close to clinching the title last time in 2023, only to lose the finals to Australia.
"It is the biggest honour to be able to lead your country in the One Day and to be able to lead a side that has done well. It's an immense pride for me. I hope I will be able to do great. I think we have about 20 ODIs before we play the World Cup, and obviously the ultimate goal is the World Cup in South Africa," Gill said in a video posted by the BCCI.
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