Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma schooling Shubman Gill on captaincy: India teammate makes big revelation

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel hopes that Shubman Gill will have a perfect start to his career as the new ODI captain in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain recently.

Patel pointed out that Gill’s calm and composed approach has been evident in the Test series against England and the dominant home Test series win over the West Indies. While Gill previously led a younger Indian squad with less-experienced teammates, the return of senior stars like Kohli and Rohit introduces both mentorship and heightened expectations.

Axar Patel hopes Shubman Gill gets a dream start as India’s new ODI captain against Australia

The star spinner noted that the Indian cricket team is currently in a transition phase, where experienced players are guiding the younger generation on tactical nuances, field strategies, and handling on-field pressure. He added that this combination of senior mentorship and young talent gives Gill the ideal environment to grow as a captain.

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Axar Patel was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times, “If that happens—a perfect start in ODIs like England—that’s a perfect start for Shubman Gill as captain. He is not being pressured after taking up the role as captain. That’s a good quality. I played with other captains. Now, the younger players are coming. This is a transition period. We are sharing knowledge with the youngsters. We are talking about the style of play. The youngsters, because they are playing in the IPL, are ready to go straightaway. That's a great example for Shubman.”

Axar Patel backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to mentor Shubman Gill in ODI captaincy

Axar has also highlighted the crucial role of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in supporting Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain. He believes that Kohli and Rohit will be a huge support for Gill, and their presence offers a great opportunity to learn for the new ODI and Test captain.

Patel further added, “I think both Rohit and Virat are there. We are seeing the transition happening. And it’s good that the seniors are with the youngsters at this phase. The youngsters will know how to handle situations.

"The discussions in the dressing room are always about what to do and what not to do on the field. It’s a perfect situation for Shubman Gill because he has both Rohit and Virat in the dressing room. For him to grow as captain, this is a great opportunity. It’s a perfect mix of youngsters and seniors, and we will surely gel well.”

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Axar Patel ready for Australia ODIs

On the other hand, Axar has a big role to play in the upcoming ODI series against Australia, having been selected ahead of senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. However, the all-rounder is confident about his chances and feels ready to contribute both with bat and ball.

He had a strong Asia Cup 2025 campaign, and now he is looking forward to performing in Australia, where he hasn’t played since the 2022 T20 World Cup. Now, Axar is fully prepared for the challenge and aims to make a significant impact for India in unfamiliar conditions.