Shubman Gill Praises Kohli and Rohit Ahead of India vs New Zealand ODI Series

In a recent press conference, Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian ODI team, praised the invaluable contributions of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He highlighted their experience in guiding the team through challenging situations. Gill emphasized the need for the team to play at full strength, regardless of the opposition's condition, and discussed the challenges of bowling second in dew-laden conditions. He also noted that ODI cricket tests a batsman's skill set more rigorously than other formats, stressing the importance of adaptability. This insight sets the stage for an exciting ODI series against New Zealand.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 17:03 IST

Gill Highlights the Role of Kohli and Rohit

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian ODI team, emphasized the significant contributions of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during a pre-match press conference for the first ODI against New Zealand. He described Rohit as one of the finest openers in ODI history and Kohli as an exceptional ODI batsman.

Gill noted that having both players in the lineup simplifies a captain's responsibilities. In challenging situations, their experience and insights are invaluable. He stated, "Rohit is among the greatest openers of all time, and Virat bhai is one of the best ODI batsmen ever. Their presence makes a captain's job much easier, especially when seeking advice during tough moments."

Emphasis on Team Strength

The captain also mentioned the importance of assembling the strongest team possible, regardless of the opponent's condition. He remarked, "We focus on our own strengths rather than the opposition's weaknesses. Our goal is to play at full strength and identify the best combinations for our team."

Challenges of Bowling Second

Gill acknowledged the difficulties of bowling second in Indian conditions due to dew, stating that successfully defending targets in such scenarios would enhance the team's confidence. He explained, "Bowling second can be challenging because of dew. If we can defend a target effectively, it will boost our confidence significantly."

ODI Cricket and Skill Development

The Indian captain further elaborated on how ODI cricket tests a batsman's skill set more rigorously than other formats. He pointed out that the ability to adapt and shift gears is crucial in ODIs, which is less emphasized in Tests and T20s. Gill concluded, "In ODIs, a batsman's skills are tested more thoroughly due to the need to adjust to various phases of the game. This is the skill we are striving to develop within ourselves."