What was billed as a series to assess India’s seasoned stars has quickly turned into an opportunity for Shubman Gill to stamp his authority on the ODI captaincy.
Handed the leadership role last year, Gill entered the Afghanistan series with questions still lingering over how firmly he had established himself as India’s long-term captain. With Virat Kohli sidelined through injury and Rohit Sharma searching for a big score, the spotlight naturally shifted to Gill. The young skipper responded exactly the way captains are expected to — by leading from the front.
In the series opener in Dharamsala, Gill guided India through a potentially tricky chase in rain-affected conditions. In Lucknow, he went a step further, producing a composed century that showcased maturity, control and a growing understanding of what leadership demands at the international level.
What stood out was not just the hundred but the circumstances around it. Gill willingly moved down to No. 3 to accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order, putting team balance ahead of personal comfort. When Jaiswal failed to convert his opportunity, Gill ensured there was no panic.
His innings of 154 off 110 deliveries, laced with 22 boundaries and a couple of sixes, was built on timing rather than power. Elegant cover drives, precise placement and risk-free strokeplay highlighted an approach that resembled the best of traditional ODI batting as he marshalled the innings with a couple of fruitful partnerships, first for 87 runs with Rohit and then a massive 224-run stand with fellow centurion Ishan Kishan (125 off 79 balls), to set the tone for a commanding 402.
Even as India maintained a healthy scoring rate, Gill never looked rushed. He controlled the chase in Dharamsala and displayed his class in Lucknow much like Kohli did for years, allowing others around him to play freely.
The performances have reinforced an important reality. In Indian cricket, captaincy is rarely judged on tactical decisions alone. Leaders earn long-term trust by scoring runs consistently and winning matches. Gill appears to understand that responsibility.
The pressure on an Indian captain is immense. Every performance is scrutinised by millions, and leadership is often measured through results. Gill enjoys the backing of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, but continued success with the bat will remain crucial.
His Test captaincy gained credibility during last year’s drawn series in England, where he scored heavily despite India missing opportunities to win. Now, in the ODI format, he is beginning to create a similar impression.
Afghanistan may not be the toughest opposition India will face on their road to the World Cup, but the series has served an important purpose. It has shown that India’s transition phase is no longer merely a talking point.
For the first time since taking charge, Gill has looked every bit the leader of the team. More importantly, he has shown that he is willing to carry the responsibility that comes with the role.
The message from the first two ODIs has been clear, Shubman Gill is not just India’s captain on paper anymore. He is beginning to own the position by leading from the front.