New Delhi: India batting stalwart Virat Kohli has backed Shubman Gill to develop into a strong leader for India, saying the young captain has the right mindset and intensity for the job.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday, September 27, Kohli said Gill is still learning in his Test and ODI captaincy role but has already shown the qualities needed to lead the team.
Gill is often seen as Kohli’s successor in the Indian team, and the former India captain believes the youngster will keep improving as he gains more experience.
“Of course, with more experience and understanding situations, the kind of calls you take are things that he will keep working on and improving, which everyone does in a leadership role,” Kohli added.
Virat Kohli opens up on change in batting approach
Kohli, who is set to turn 38 soon, has been in excellent form in ODIs. In his last 10 innings in the format, he has scored three centuries, one 90-plus score and four fifties.
Since becoming a one-format player, Kohli has looked more relaxed and confident with the bat. He explained that letting go of expectations has played an important role in that change.
“What has changed is, firstly, I promised myself that I am going to play more freely. I am not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me,” Kohli said.
Kohli also spoke about how his role in the Indian team had traditionally been to steady the innings, especially when conditions were difficult.
“My role had always been, for a long period of time, that I am going to stabilise things. I know I can play, I know I can hit shots. But the demands are such that if it is a tricky situation and you are playing on a tricky pitch, you eventually get into a space where you are like, I can hit, but I have been given a role,” Kohli added.
