“He didn’t want it” - Mohammad Kaif reveals Shubman Gill doesn’t want ODI captaincy

Former Indian cricketer and analyst Mohammad Kaif has revealed that the new ODI skipper, Shubman Gill, doesn’t want to be a part of the leadership group in the 50-over format, adding that the load is suddenly on him across the formats, which could lead to a loss for India.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif asserted that Rohit has a realistic chance of playing the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, adding that he has worked really hard on his fitness.  

"This was on expected lines, but I felt this would happen after the 2027 World Cup. The guy has quality, and he's also worked on his fitness. He had a realistic chance of playing the 2027 World Cup. However, the load falls on Gill. He's getting all of it in a hurry. It could also lead to a loss. When you get so much in such a short time, it could backfire," Kaif said in a video posted on YouTube.

Furthermore, Kaif has stated that the selection committee and team management shouldn’t overburden Shubman Gill with captaincy across formats. He also reckoned that the selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, might have pressurized him in taking up the ODI captaincy.

"My point is that don't overburden him. He captains in Tests, bats at No. 4. He was made the vice-captain in the Asia Cup – will take over when Suryakumar Yadav steps aside. Now you've made him the ODI captain. I feel everything is being done in a hurry. A player never asks for captaincy. Everyone knows that he didn't want it. You can't demand it, but everyone seems to like him a lot and considers him a captain for the future. The selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, have pressurised him,” he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!