India batting stalwart Virat Kohli has backed Shubman Gill to develop into a strong leader for India, saying the young captain has the right mindset and intensity for the job.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday, September 27, Kohli said Gill is still learning in his Test and ODI captaincy role but has already shown the qualities needed to lead the team.
Gill is often seen as Kohli’s successor in the Indian team, and the former India captain believes the youngster will keep improving as he gains more experience.
Virat Kohli opens up on change in batting approach
Kohli, who is set to turn 38 soon, has been in excellent form in ODIs. In his last 10 innings in the format, he has scored three centuries, one 90-plus score and four fifties.
Since becoming a one-format player, Kohli has looked more relaxed and confident with the bat. He explained that letting go of expectations has played an important role in that change.
Kohli also spoke about how his role in the Indian team had traditionally been to steady the innings, especially when conditions were difficult.
IND vs WI ODI series schedule
No. | DAY | Date | Time | Match | Venue |
1 | Sun | 27-Sep-26 | 2:00 PM | 1st ODI | Trivandrum |
2 | Wed | 30-Sep-26 | 2:00 PM | 2nd ODI | Guwahati |
3 | Sat | 03-Oct-26 | 2:00 PM | 3rd ODI | New Chandigarh |
IND vs WI ODI Squads
India’s ODI squad: Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul [VC], Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.
West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.