New Delhi: Virat Kohli has backed Shubman Gill to grow into a long term leader for India, describing the current captain as young in the role but possessing the mindset and intensity required to lead the national team.
Speaking ahead of India’s ODI series against the West Indies, Kohli said Gill is still developing as a leader and will continue to improve as he gains experience in handling different situations. He also highlighted Gill’s clarity over how he wants the team to operate on the field.
According to Kohli, leadership decisions naturally evolve with experience, with captains learning from different situations and becoming better at making important calls. He believes Gill is already showing the qualities needed to take Indian cricket forward.
Gill has increasingly been viewed as one of the central figures of India’s next generation, having taken on leadership responsibilities across formats.
Kohli also spoke about the changes in his own approach to batting. The veteran has enjoyed an impressive run in ODIs, producing three centuries, an innings in the 90s and four fifties across his last 10 matches.
The batter said he has consciously tried to play with greater freedom rather than being weighed down by outside expectations. He explained that his approach had previously focused heavily on stabilising the innings, particularly when India found itself in difficult conditions.
Kohli acknowledged that while he always knew he had the ability to attack and play his shots, the responsibility attached to his role sometimes influenced how he approached an innings.
With India entering a new phase under Gill’s leadership, Kohli’s backing adds another significant voice to the discussion surrounding the next generation of Indian cricket.
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