‘It was the right move’ - South Africa legend backs Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain

Published - 05 Oct 2025, 23:13 IST | Updated - 05 Oct 2025, 23:14 IST

South African superstar AB de Villiers has backed the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain ahead of the upcoming Australian tour. He noted that there was no guarantee that stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would continue until the next 50-over World Cup, making Gill’s appointment a wise choice.

The BCCI announced, on Saturday, October 4, the squads for the three-match ODI and five-match T20I series in Australia, set to begin on October 19. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the change in leadership in the 50-over format, stating that it provides Gill more time to plan and prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

"It’s not a guarantee both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form and a fantastic leader. I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat,” said de Villiers on his YouTube Channel.

“Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high quality, legendary players. It will be fantastic for Shubman to have them around. It will be for the tour which is around the corner actually. So, we will be bucking up for some high-entertainment and a great series,” he added.

When a fan asked whether Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma would play in the next World Cup, the former South African skipper remarked that much would depend on their form and consistency, as the 2027 tournament is still two years away. Notably, Kohli and Rohit were the top two run-scorers at the 2023 World Cup, but their efforts went in vain as India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final.

"They find themselves in the ODI side. I think that is the reason they are hanging on, to play another World Cup for Team India. It’s great to see. Whether it’s going to happen, I don’t know. Honestly? Form dependent or are they playing enough cricket? It will take a lot from them to be there in 2027,” De Villiers said.

“Still a long way away. It’s not that far but it’s not so close. There’s lots of cricket to be played and form to be kept. They’ve got to score runs and that should be the message from the selectors. As big as legends they are, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will walk into my team and I will play them without looking at where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing,” he added.

De Villiers added that while Kohli and Rohit will face stiff competition, they can still provide valuable experience and guidance to Gill and the rest of the team in the 50-over format.

"But the kind of competition Team India have these days and the quality, these two know they have to go out and score runs. It would be a great asset for Team India in the World Cup to have them there. But the priority is to score runs. I have no doubt the two of them will come through and we will see them at the 2027 World Cup. They will also guide a lot of youngsters along the way and help Shubman to become a great captain,” De Villiers concluded.