'He has got the desire to lead' - Virat Kohli backs Shubman Gill to lead India for a long time

The legendary Virat Kohli expressed strong support for Shubman Gill's captaincy ahead of India's three-match ODI series against West Indies beginning at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. Gill currently holds both the Test and ODI leadership roles for Indian cricket as the team rebuilds toward the 2027 World Cup campaign, a tournament carrying the weight of a sixteen-year title drought.

The veteran batter highlighted Gill's approach to the role and his potential to develop further in the position.

"Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team," Kohli said on JioStar.

Kohli's assessment of Gill's captaincy qualities

Kohli acknowledged that Gill's tactical planning and field operations are already well-developed, though he recognised that decision-making in leadership improves with experience and exposure to varied match situations. The 26-year-old captain has demonstrated clear strategic thinking in how he approaches the team's on-field performance.

"He (Gill) has got his plans very clear in terms of how he looks at us operating in the field. Of course, with more experience and understanding situations, the kind of calls you take are things that he will keep working on and improving, which everyone does in a leadership role," Kohli added.

Kohli emphasised that Gill's fundamental desire to lead Indian cricket in the right manner is the most critical factor in his long-term success as captain. The veteran batter expressed confidence in Gill's ability to sustain his leadership across both formats.

Gill suffers elbow blow ahead of first ODI vs West Indies

Read More

Gill suffers elbow blow ahead of first ODI vs West Indies

"He has got the desire to lead the Indian cricket team in the right way, which is the most important factor. So, I see him leading for a long time, and he will be absolutely fine," he noted.

Gill's tactical approach and field awareness

Kohli highlighted Gill's innovative approach to field placements and bowling strategies as evidence of his tactical maturity. The captain's willingness to experiment with unconventional field settings and maintain constant communication with his bowlers demonstrates a proactive leadership style that keeps opposition batters under sustained pressure.

"He thinks of ways to get batters out in the field, which is always a sign of doing something different or staying a step ahead. He is not shy to use different kinds of fields, put guys under pressure, communicate the same to the bowlers, and bring in a certain kind of bowling attack," Kohli concluded.