Why Gill Needs the Two Legends by His Side

Perth: When Shubman Gill was handed the ODI captaincy ahead of the Australia series, many wondered how the 26-year-old would handle leading two of cricket's biggest legends—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But according to all-rounder Axar Patel, having these two veterans in the team is actually the best thing that could happen to India's new captain.

Speaking to reporters in Perth on Friday, Axar explained exactly why Gill needs Rohit and Virat by his side as he begins his journey as India's ODI captain.

Experience Money Can't Buy

"For Gill, it's perfect. Rohit Bhai and Virat Bhai are there, and along with that, they have been captains, so they can give their input also, so it is very good growth for Gill's captaincy," Axar said during a joint interaction with Australian opener Travis Head.

The logic is simple. Both Rohit and Virat have captained India across formats. Rohit led India to the Champions Trophy title just seven months ago. Virat captained India for years and built the team into a powerhouse. Between them, they have decades of leadership experience that no amount of coaching can replicate.

Having them in the team means Gill has two walking encyclopedias of cricket knowledge he can turn to whenever he needs advice. A field placement dilemma? Ask Rohit. How to handle pressure in a tight chase? Virat's been there, done that. It's like having two assistant coaches on the field.

No Pressure, Just Support

What Axar particularly likes about this setup is that Gill isn't feeling pressured by the presence of these legends. "What has been good about Gill's captaincy thus far is that he has not been pressurised," Axar noted.

This is crucial. Many young captains would feel intimidated leading players who are bigger stars than them. But Gill seems comfortable in his role, and a big reason for that is the support he's getting from Rohit and Virat. They're not there to undermine him—they're there to help him succeed.

Gill himself has spoken about how he actively seeks their advice. He even asks Rohit questions like, "What would you have done on this wicket if you were the captain?" That kind of willingness to learn, combined with the legends' willingness to share, creates the perfect environment for growth.

Sharp as Ever

There were concerns about whether Rohit and Virat would be ready after such a long break from international cricket. They last played in the Champions Trophy final back in March, and haven't touched competitive cricket since then.

But Axar has put those worries to rest. "Like Travis said, they both are world class players. They are professionals, so they know what to do. They have been practising in Bengaluru's Centre of Excellence, so I think they are ready to go," he said.

He added that both players are looking sharp in the nets and are in good shape fitness-wise. For Axar, who has played with them for years, seeing them at practice has been reassuring. These aren't players who need months to get back into rhythm—they're professionals who know exactly how to prepare.

Australia Doesn't Scare India Anymore

Axar also revealed an interesting change in the Indian team's mindset when it comes to playing in Australia. Gone are the days when players would obsess over the bounce and pace of Australian pitches.

"I feel that since 2015, there have been a lot of changes. When we used to come, the talk was about pitches, conditions, bounce and we used to play less as well," Axar explained.

But now? "When we come now it doesn't feel like Australian conditions and we have to be more ready. We are now thinking about where we can make runs, so we talk about strategy and timing, we are not talking about the pitch."

This shift in mentality shows how comfortable Indian cricketers have become playing in Australia. They've toured here regularly, won Test series, and beaten Australia on their home turf. The fear factor is gone, replaced by strategic thinking and confidence.

Axar's Own Confidence

For Axar personally, this series is a big opportunity. He's been picked ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, which shows the selectors' faith in him. And he's ready to deliver.

"I am very confident about this series. In the Asia Cup, I did well both with bat and ball. After a long time (2022 T20 World Cup), I would be playing in Australia. I am ready for the challenge," he said.

Axar has big shoes to fill, but his recent form—especially in the Asia Cup where he excelled with both bat and ball—suggests he's up for it.

The Perfect Leadership Setup

What we're seeing with this Indian team is a smart transition strategy. Instead of throwing Gill into the deep end alone, the BCCI has given him the safety net of having Rohit and Virat in the team. He gets to lead, make decisions, and grow as a captain, but he also has two legends he can lean on when needed.

It's a win-win situation. Gill develops his leadership skills while still having access to invaluable experience. Rohit and Virat get to focus on their batting without the burden of captaincy. And India gets a team that's being led by youth but backed by wisdom.

As India prepares for the 2027 World Cup, this transition phase is crucial. By the time that tournament comes around, Gill will have had plenty of experience leading the team, with the guidance of two of the greatest players to ever wear the Indian jersey.

For now, the experiment begins in Perth. And if Axar Patel's words are anything to go by, India has the perfect formula for success.