• Source:JND
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India Tour Of Australia: Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop said the return of batting mogul Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI squad for the Australia series will be a tremendous advantage for new captain Shubman Gill.

Bishop believes that two batting stalwarts will provide a enormous support system for the young Indian captain. Following India's 2-0 Test series triumph over the West Indies, Bishop said Gill has the character and aptitude to lead India, but will need time to develop his tactical acumen.

The 26-year-old opener will lead India in the ODIs in Australia, his first major assignment since being handed the reins.

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“He'll be fine. Those two guys will help him along the way. He will grow in the job,” Bishop said, referring to Rohit and Kohli in an interview with PTI Videos.

“He's nowhere near the finished article. People have to give him that chance to grow as a captain, and as a batsman, he will grow as well," he added.

Bishop highlighted that the company of two of India's most skilled campaigners will be priceless for Gill, both in terms of decision-making and managing the arm-twistings of leadership.

“He has the temperament and the skill to lead, but the growth in captaincy and tactics is something that will take a couple of seasons to grow into. I'm sure he'll get help from the two veterans,” he said.

Bishop said the prospect of Rohit and Kohli participating in the 2027 World Cup hinges on their motivation and fitness levels.

“That's their decision. I can't answer that for Rohit or for Virat or for the BCCI. It depends on what their determination and skill is like. They've been fine so far,” he added.

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But Bishop saw inspiring signs for the visitors too, highlighting the batting efforts of Shai Hope, John Campbell and Justin Greaves, and the bowling of Jomel Warrican.

“From a West Indian perspective, it was great to see a few of the batters spending time at the crease. The trust they showed in the pitch was excellent. It's not that they've arrived, but they've put some building blocks in place”, Bishop said.