Virat Kohli shows dominance, literally drags Shubman Gill into heated discussion in Sydney ODI

Team India skipper Shubman Gill was dragged into a discussion by former captain Virat Kohli during the third and final ODI against Australia. The light-hearted incident between Kohli and Gill took place between overs of Australia’s innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Saturday, October 25.

Gill has struggled with the toss, winning only one in 10 matches. His white-ball form has also been underwhelming, with no fifties scored since the IPL. Notably, the Men in Blue have already lost the ODI series to Australia. They are competing for a consolation victory in the final ODI match at the iconic SCG.

Virat Kohli in Intense Tactical Discussion with Shubman Gill

The home team’s openers, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, had added 61 runs in just nine overs. However, the Shubman Gill-led team fought back with impressive bowling.

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Gill rotated his spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, effectively, slowing Australia’s scoring in the middle overs. He showed a calm yet assertive leadership style with his field placements and bowling rotations.

Between overs, Virat Kohli intervened to offer some advice. As Gill returned to his fielding position, Kohli grabbed his arm and pulled him into a quick discussion with wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The exchange lasted under ten seconds but made an impact.

The only leadership summit all of us want to be part of! 📝📚#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/HzAE2KIPI1

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

Captain Ka Darja Shayad Nahi - Commentator

The commentator said that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul can share valuable insights given their experience. He added that the decision to implement their advice ultimately rests with Gill.

"Virat Kohli seen here talking to Shubman Gill, KL Rahul. I can see the involvement since the last few overs. He has the experience. Captain ka darja shayad nahi ho par experience hai (They may not be captains, but they have the experience. Be it Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or KL Rahul. They can share all their knowledge, although eventually it's up to Gill whether he wants to implement it," the commentator said.

It Sends a Good Message Out There - Abhishek Nayar

Speaking to the host broadcaster during the innings break, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar stated that interactions between Shubman Gill and senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul foster a positive team atmosphere and camaraderie.

"I have always believed that leadership is a mindset. There is a lot of communication that goes on between the captain and the rest of the players – in this regard, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul,” Nayar said.

"It sends a good message out there that the communication, the atmosphere and the camaraderie in on track. Yes, India still is down [in the series], but today the involvement of Virat, Rohit and everyone, and the ability of Shubman to go there and take suggestions is a good way of keeping things nice and tight,” he added.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered commanding performances to secure a nine-wicket victory for India while chasing 237 runs. Rohit scored 121, while Kohli contributed 74.

Rohit reached his 33rd ODI century, and Kohli notched his 75th half-century. Earlier, Harshit Rana’s four-wicket haul helped India restrict Australia to 236 in 46.4 overs. Despite India’s win in the final match, Australia clinched the series 2-1.

Also read: Sarfaraz Khan disobeys BCCI's DIKTAT ahead of South Africa series