New Delhi: In a curious twist ahead of Team India’s high-stakes Australia tour, new ODI skipper Shubman Gill will not jet off with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, opting instead for the second departure batch alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The revelation has sparked intrigue among fans, as the Men in Blue gear up for a crucial white-ball series Down Under.
Fresh from a commanding series win over the West Indies, the Indian squad assembles in the capital for the October 19 ODI opener in Perth. Media reports indicate the team will split into two groups on October 15 from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The morning flight at 9 am carries Rohit, Kohli, and the bulk of the 15-member ODI unit — including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and pacers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh — complete with security detail. This marks Rohit and Kohli’s return to the fold since the Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, under Gill’s leadership.
Surprisingly, Gill, named ODI captain in a bold transition from Rohit, will board the 9 pm evening flight with Gambhir and support staff. Typically, captains lead the charge with their troops, but this logistical quirk — tied to scheduling and tickets — highlights the tour’s meticulous planning. The no-nonsense coach, Gambhir, recently hosted a squad dinner at his Rajinder Nagar home to foster a sense of unity among the team.
The three-match ODI series promises fireworks, followed by five T20Is with Suryakumar Yadav captaining and Gill as vice-captain. After Perth, clashes in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25) test India’s mettle. As Gill steps into the spotlight, his delayed arrival underscores a new era — blending youth and experience in pursuit of the 2027 World Cup dream.