With Shubman Gill set to lead India in the upcoming ODI series against Australia, a significant chapter in the team’s history is closing. It has been close to nine years since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last participated in an international fixture for India while being led by a different captain. This milestone occurred on the eve of Diwali in 2016.
The scene was Visakhapatnam for the fifth ODI against New Zealand, with MS Dhoni at the helm. At this point, Virat Kohli was not yet the undisputed captain across all formats, and Rohit Sharma, already a successful IPL captain, was considered a future leader. The match saw India dismiss New Zealand for a mere 79 in pursuit of 270 runs. Rohit Sharma contributed a fluent 70 from 65 balls while opening, and Virat Kohli scored 65 batting at number three. Post this game, every international appearance for both Rohit and Kohli saw one of them commanding the team until October 19th, another Diwali eve, signalling a new leadership.
Their upcoming return to the ODI side for the series against Australia is their first since the Champions Trophy triumph. While Gill assumes captaincy duties, the presence of Rohit and Kohli adds a unique dimension. The longevity of these veterans towards the 2027 Cricket World Cup is uncertain, but their final ODI performances will be a spectacle. Gill, aware that this series is as much about the senior players’ return as it is about his captaincy, aims to inspire through his play, embarking on India’s two-year campaign for the World Cup.
