THE elevation of Shubman Gill as captain of the One-Day International team for the series against Australia is natural progression of a leader. The selection committee has put in a good thought process to promote Gill despite the presence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It was time for Team India to have a regular captain in all formats. Though Gill is yet to be handed the responsibility of Twenty20 team, his inclusion for the Asia Cup was a signal that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is thinking for the future.

 

The Australia ODI series will be a fantastic phase of transition for the Indian limited-overs team. With Gill at helm, the new-age captain will monitor the change-over even as Kohli and Rohit will come out for, perhaps, the last time in white-ball cricket. There are already hints of the team moving ahead with new players after the exclusion of Ravindra Jadeja for the Australia series. The Asia Cup triumph was a precursor of what the BCCI is thinking about India’s future in limited-overs cricket. The team had the right mix of experience and youthfulness as they formed a brilliant combination to stifle opponents. The same template is being pursued by the selectors in ODI cricket and the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli only signals that they have the last chance to adapt to the futuristic thinking. Even otherwise, the 50-over ICC World Cup in 2027 still looks a long shot for Rohit and Kohli. Not that they do not possess the firepower and passion to excel in the twilight of their career, but with not much action under their belt the two veterans might find it a bit difficult to cross the bar set by the team management.

 

The duo will have their first brush with the realities of an ageing body without much match-practice next Sunday. With the bench-strength breathing down their neck, the two will have a new challenge to deal with in their wonderful career. This new challenge also holds the potential to spur the fighter in the two iconic players. Both love competition and with the healthy contest on in the Indian team these days, Rohit and Kohli would relish the opportunity to prove their mettle in the last format they have chosen for their international career. It will be a win-win situation for Team India if the duo finds its mojo in the Australia ODIs. It is not that easy though.

 

The rigours of international cricket have already taken a toll on Rohit and Kohli. Then there is the added pressure of expectations from their fans. With a merciless social media constantly questioning each move of top celebrities, the pressure unknowingly seeps into the mind of even the strongest characters. The good part of the entire social media circus is, just one good show totally changes moods and opinions. And, both Rohit and Kohli still possess that natural ability to turn the tide in their favour with just one good stroke. India will be waiting for that stroke of genius.