Shubman Gill opens up on any ‘rift’ between him and former ODI skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of IND vs AUS

In a week when social media buzzed with speculation about a supposed strain between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, the newly-appointed India ODI captain put all doubts to rest with calm assurance.

Ahead of India’s first ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth on October 19, Gill addressed the media and made it clear that the camaraderie between him and Rohit remains unchanged despite the baton of leadership having now officially passed. Well, the way Gill was made India’s ODI captain took everyone was surprised. After all, Rohit did nothing wrong and won India the ODI Champions Trophy the last time he played for the nation.

However, in a press conference after the India vs West Indies first Test, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced Gill’s elevation as new leader. He told that he sought the understanding of Rohit prior to the announcement but his words didn’t sit well with many fans. Some assumed that Rohit didn’t want to give up the captaincy.

‘Everything is the same between us,’ says Gill

India’s decision to name Gill as the full-time ODI captain, following Rohit’s retirement from Tests and T20Is, sparked mixed reactions among fans and experts. Some hailed it as a forward-looking move for the future, while others believed Rohit deserved to continue after guiding India to consecutive ICC titles. But for Gill, there’s no question of rivalry but only respect and learning.

When asked about his current relationship with Rohit, Gill spoke candidly, brushing aside the noise surrounding their dynamic.

“The narrative that is going on outside is different, but there is nothing different in our relationship now. We are just like how we used to be before — everything is the same. He is very helpful. If there is any observation he makes after his years of experience, he tells me, and if there is anything I want to ask him, I go and ask his opinion,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference, via Star Sports.

“I like to get the thoughts of everyone, and then based on my understanding of the game, take the final decision.”