NEW DELHI: Indian captain Shubman Gill emphasized the invaluable role of experience in the squad, particularly from seasoned campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Speaking ahead of India’s opening ODI of the three-match series against Australia in Perth, Gill described the opportunity to lead and learn from these cricketing legends as both an honor and a responsibility, noting that their guidance and insights would be crucial in navigating challenges on and off the field.

“The experience and skill set they bring to the team is massive. Both of them are among the best white-ball players in the world. Filling the shoes of legends like Mahi Bhai, Virat Bhai, and Rohit Bhai is a big responsibility, and I’ve had numerous conversations with them about how to take the team forward and the culture they envisioned for Indian cricket,” he said.

He added, “When I was a kid, I idolized the way they played and the hunger they had. It’s a big honor to lead such legends and learn from them. Even during the series, I’ll have many opportunities to learn from their experience. Whenever I face a tough situation, I won’t hesitate to seek their advice or suggestions.”

Gill also acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from longer formats to the one-day game ahead of India’s upcoming ODI against Australia.

“The flight was definitely a bit long, but we are professional players, and we’ll turn up tomorrow and play at our best,” Gill said ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday.

“The wicket looks pretty good for a one-day game. It is a bit challenging, but it’s all about going back to the basics of the format. I’d say the challenge is more mental than technical – making that switch from a longer to a shorter format. A couple of practice sessions and focusing on the fundamentals really helps.”