IND vs WI 2026: Shubman Gill has to put his foot down, says Dinesh Karthik

Shubman Gill leads India in the upcoming three-match home ODI series against West Indies as part of the team's preparation for the 2027 World Cup. Gill took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma last year and has had an erratic start at the helm, securing only one series win so far.

Former India batter Dinesh Karthik has offered his assessment of Gill's captaincy, suggesting the young leader must take firmer control of the team.

"I feel that he has inherited this team as a captain. In fact, it has been thrust upon him; it's like in a family, the elder son is thrust into some things. It was more of Rohit Sharma's way when it started, but I feel this is Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir's team more than Shubman Gill's team up until today. We are hearing that Ajit Agarkar probably won't be around as a selector anymore, so it almost becomes Gautam Gambhir's team. But Shubman Gill has to put his foot down at times and form a strong partnership, and that is when he will get respect within the team," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Karthik's comments highlight the challenge facing Gill as he navigates his early tenure as captain. With selector Ajit Agarkar expected to step away from his role, the dynamics within the team structure are set to shift. Karthik emphasised that establishing authority and building a strong working relationship with the coaching staff will be essential for Gill to command respect from his players.

"I do feel it is a stage where he is a good batter, people respect him for that. He has shown a good value system as captain as well; he did well in England as a Test captain. He has done well for Gujarat Titans. Now it is his time and turn to show the same sort of courage and attitude to lead this Indian team forward," Karthik said.

Ajinkya Rahane's perspective on Gill's leadership

Ajinkya Rahane, another former India batter, has also weighed in on Gill's captaincy prospects. Rahane acknowledged Gill's credentials as a player and his previous leadership experience with both England and Gujarat Titans. Rahane further stressed the importance of Gill taking decisive action in his role. He recognised that Gill is a young captain with limited experience but argued that the timeline to the World Cup leaves little room for gradual development.

"Sure, he is a young captain and does not have much experience, but he has to take charge now. We can say that he has not led the team in many games, but only a year is left for the World Cup now. He has to take charge of what brand of cricket he wishes to see from his team. We have to set aside the fact that he is a young and inexperienced captain. He has to take authority now through communication with the head coach; I think he has to show that authority as captain," Rahane said.