Kohli: Gill has the perspective and desire to lead India
Virat Kohli said Shubman Gill has the right perspective and intensity to lead India while speaking to JioStar in Thiruvananthapuram on September 26, 2026, ahead of the first ODI against the West Indies on September 27. Kohli also discussed changes to his own batting approach during the interview.
Kohli offered a clear endorsement of the national captain’s approach and outlined why he believed Gill could lead for an extended period. He framed his remarks around Gill’s current learning curve and leadership temperament, and contrasted that with his own recent batting form and mindset. The comments were made in the build-up to India’s opening ODI versus the West Indies.
"Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team," Kohli said. He noted that experience would sharpen Gill’s decision-making but argued the underlying outlook was correct for the job.
On Gill’s tactical clarity, Kohli said: "He has got his plans very clear in terms of how he looks at us operating in the field. 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." He added: "But he has got the desire to lead the Indian cricket team in the right way, which is the most important factor. So, I see him leading for a long time, and he will be absolutely fine."
Kohli highlighted Gill’s willingness to innovate in the field and to communicate plans to bowlers. "He thinks of ways to get batters out in the field, which is always a sign of doing something different or staying a step ahead. He is not shy to use different kinds of fields, put guys under pressure, communicate the same to the bowlers, and bring in a certain kind of bowling attack," Kohli said.
On his own form, Kohli said he has adopted a freer approach at the crease. "Kohli, who will turn 38 soon, has been in outstanding form over his last 10 ODIs, scoring three centuries, one score above 90 and four fifties." He added that "He has looked fresh and rejuvenated as a one-format player over the past 18 months." Kohli described the change in mindset: "What's changed is, firstly, I promised myself that I'm going to play more freely. I'm not going to worry about the expectations that people might have around me. My role had always been, for a long period of time, that I'm going to stabilise things."
Kohli explained the tactical intent behind his freedom to take risks and the runs he aims to add: "I am making a conscious effort that if I'm set to make a difference in the game, where you can get 30–40 extra runs. I want to stay in a space where, if I'm choosing not to take a risk, it's because I'm setting up eventually to get to a point where I say, okay, now press the accelerator down." He also said: "The game is changing in a way that, especially if the conditions are fast-paced and good, and other teams are looking to push you towards 340–350, we should be able to get 350–360 as well. I'm very willing to take risks now because I know that if I make runs there, we'll get 350–360 easily. And if I do that and play longer, then I can hit more at the end." Kohli added: "I had to unlock a little bit of that freedom in my own mind. That's also helped me in the IPL as well. I was able to play with that same freedom because I'm not thinking that if I get out, the situation might get difficult for us."
The first ODI of the West Indies tour of India will be played on Sunday (September 27, 2026), from 2 p.m. onwards, live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.
