Former Indian middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game, has asserted that the Indian captain Shubman Gill needs to take charge of the team despite being an inexperienced skipper.
Speaking exclusively to Cricbuzz, Rahane advised Gill to take authority now through proper communication with the head coach Gautam Gambhir. Notably, Gill has captained India in 13 One Day International (ODI) matches, securing seven wins and six losses.
“Sure, he is a young captain and does not have much experience, but he has to take charge now. We can say that he has not led the team in many games, but only a year is left for the World Cup now. He has to take charge of what brand of cricket he wishes to see from his team. We have to set aside the fact that he is a young and inexperienced captain. He has to take authority now through communication with the head coach; I think he has to show that authority as captain,” Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
Gill took over as India’s full-time ODI captain in October 2025. He officially replaced Rohit Sharma. His very first assignment leading the ODI squad was the opening match of the India tour of Australia, which began on October 19, 2025, in Perth
In the first ODI against the West Indies, the visitors posted a daunting total of 295/7 in 50 overs. Justin Greaves (101), John Campbell (62) and Amir Jangoo (58*) were the top scorers. Kuldeep Yadav picked up a four-wicket haul.
In response, India went past the winning line in 41.4 overs with eight wickets remaining. Virat Kohli (139*) and Shubman Gill (110) were the top scorers. The second ODI is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 30, in Guwahati.
