SHUBMAN GILL has already begun casting his gaze toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, and for India’s dynamic captain, the tournament represents far more than just another milestone on the global stage. It is, by his own admission, a case of “unfinished business.”
Currently sitting atop the world rankings as the No. 1 ODI batter, Gill is far from complacent. Instead, he remains haunted by the agonizing conclusion of the 2023 campaign. After sweeping through the league stages with an aura of invincibility, India’s dream of lifting the trophy at home ended in a stinging six-wicket defeat to Australia in the Ahmedabad final. That singular afternoon of disappointment has served as the bedrock of Gill’s motivation as he prepares to lead a new-look Indian side toward the next cycle.
‘It is unfinished business’
Reflecting on the heartbreak of 2023, Gill spoke with candid transparency in a recent interview with JioStar. “Yes, absolutely, it’s unfinished business because of the way we played throughout that World Cup,” the young leader admitted. “We were looking like the best team in the tournament. But World Cups are like that. You might play the entire tournament well, but you don’t play one game well, and that game could be the final of the World Cup.”
The brevity of a career at the highest level is not lost on the 25-year-old. Gill recognizes that, regardless of form or talent, the opportunities to compete in an ODI World Cup are fleeting. “As a player, you don’t get that many opportunities to represent your country in a World Cup. There could be two, three, four, five, you never know. So, every World Cup that you play for your country is a big honor. I am very grateful to be able to play another one.”
‘Extremely lucky’ to have Virat and Rohit
As Gill navigates the complexities of captaincy, he is quick to acknowledge that he is not walking this path alone. The presence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the dressing room provides a safety net of experience that is arguably unparalleled in modern cricket.
“I feel extremely lucky,” Gill noted. “Virat bhai is probably the best ODI batter, and Rohit bhai is the best ODI opener in the world. To have these two players in the team, along with the incredible moments they have shared together, is great. Their experience is very valuable for us.”
However, Gill’s leadership style is defined by inclusivity. He is far from a dictator in the middle; he is an active listener. Whether it is KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer, the captain makes a concerted effort to canvas his senior teammates before making critical decisions on the field.
“I like to take everyone’s opinion,” Gill explained. “If they come to suggest something, then I might have already thought about it. If I haven’t, I will process their thoughts and opinions. You listen to everyone, see what they are thinking, and then decide what, according to me, would work best in that situation. I believe learning comes from that.”
No. 1 ranking takes a back seat
The rapid ascent of Shubman Gill has been one of the defining narratives of Indian cricket over the last two years. While reaching the No. 1 ICC ODI ranking was once a childhood dream—a metaphorical “tick mark” on his career to-do list—the stature of the captaincy has shifted his priorities toward the collective good.
“When I first became the number one-ranked batsman during the 2023 World Cup, it felt good,” Gill reflected. “But right now, it doesn’t matter as much. For me, it’s more important that if you step out in a match, how can you make the team win? How can you contribute to the result?”
This transition from a focused individual performer to a team-centric leader defines the current chapter of his career. Gill does not view the captaincy as a burden or a pedestal; he views it as a call to service.
“Growing up, it wasn’t really my dream to become India’s captain,” he shared. “My dream was always to play for the country and win matches. When I got this opportunity, it was a massive honor and a significant responsibility. I don’t feel overwhelming pressure because I believe that if I approach every decision with the right intent, everything else will eventually fall into place.”
As India looks toward 2027, the team is under no illusions about the mountain they must climb. However, under the composed, collaborative, and fiercely motivated leadership of Shubman Gill, the squad seems to be embracing the “unfinished business” of the last cycle as the fuel for their future success.
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