New Delhi: Team India skipper Shubman Gill revealed during the post-match press conference that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will require careful management moving forward, as they now play only one format, highlighting the need to preserve their game time for white-ball cricket.
Kohli and Rohit ended the three-match ODI series against Australia on a strong note, as he scored an unbeaten 74 and 121 respectively, helping India secure a thrilling nine-wicket victory in the third and final ODI clash.
Gill said no discussion has taken place on RO-KO’s future
When asked about the upcoming break before India’s next ODI assignment against South Africa and then New Zealand, Gill acknowledged that no discussion have taken place yet, “We haven’t talked about it yet. But I think once the South Africa ODI series is over (on December 6), there will be a gap in international cricket before the New Zealand ODI series (January 11, 2026). So I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken,” he said.
With just six ODIs remaining this season, three each against South Africa and New Zealand, managing sufficient game time has become a challenge.
Gill revealed watching Rohit and Kohli complete a chase was an absolute delight
For the young captain, seeing 38-year-old Rohit and 36-year-old Kohli complete a flawless chase was an absolute delight, “They’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. To be able to watch them play like this and get the team through unbeaten is really a treat to watch,” Gill said.
He added, “As a captain, when you sit outside and watch the match, it feels really good that the two senior-most players of the team are playing, and they’re getting the team through.”
Gill also showered praise on the stalwarts technical mastery, “I think, like I said, it’s a treat to watch both of them, especially when they’re batting like that, and seeing the ball fly off their bats, and just hearing the sound that comes off their bat is something that tells you how good a nick that they’re both in.”
He wrapped up by commending their game-finishing mindset, “Watching them from outside and taking the team through is something that we often talk about in team meetings. They are walking the talk, so it’s a great bonus to us.”