Shubman Gill steps into the shoes of an ODI captain, a role previously held by modern greats like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. As the 28th ODI captain for India, the 26-year-old Gill is at the helm for the series against Australia, shouldering the responsibility of leading the Men in Blue. This transition sparks a comparison: Where does Gill stand when measured against the leadership and achievements of Dhoni and Kohli?
MS Dhoni: The Master Strategist
MS Dhoni, often called "Captain Cool," is arguably India's most successful captain across all formats. He led India in 200 ODI matches, securing 110 wins with a win percentage of approximately 55%. Dhoni is the only captain to have won all three major ICC trophies: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). Beyond the trophies, Dhoni's captaincy was defined by his calm demeanor, shrewd decision-making, and ability to extract the best from his players. He fostered a team environment where youngsters could thrive, and his leadership was instrumental in shaping the careers of many current stars. As a captain, Dhoni scored 6,641 runs at an average of 53.56, including 6 centuries and 47 half-centuries.
Virat Kohli: The Passionate Leader
Virat Kohli brought a different dimension to Indian captaincy. Known for his aggression and passion, Kohli instilled a fearless attitude in the team. He led India in 95 ODIs, winning 65 with a win percentage of around 68.42%. While Kohli couldn't secure an ICC title as captain, he guided India to the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup and the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy. Kohli's captaincy saw India reach the number one ranking in Test cricket, and his emphasis on fitness and work ethic transformed the team's culture. As a batsman, Kohli was phenomenal as captain, scoring 5,449 runs at an average of 72.65, including 21 centuries.
Shubman Gill: The Emerging Leader
Shubman Gill's journey as captain is just beginning. He has experience captaining in T20Is, and the IPL, and has now officially begun his ODI captaincy career. Gill has captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL, with 14 wins out of 27 matches. He also led India in 5 T20Is, winning 4. In the recent Test series against West Indies, Gill led India to a 2-0 victory. Gill has played 55 ODI matches, scoring 2,775 runs at an average of 59.04 with eight centuries. He is currently ranked 1st in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
Gill's strengths lie in his elegant batting style, consistency, and ability to dominate from the outset. At just 26 years old, he is seen as the future of Indian cricket, with the potential to lead the team across all formats. The key to Gill's success will be his ability to learn from his predecessors, build a strong team culture, and make astute tactical decisions under pressure. He is fortunate to have senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, who can provide guidance and support.
Comparison
- Experience: Dhoni's vast experience as captain is unmatched. Kohli also had a significant stint as captain across all formats. Gill is relatively new to captaincy, and his leadership skills will be tested as he gains more experience.
- ICC Trophies: Dhoni's trophy cabinet speaks for itself. Kohli couldn't win an ICC title as captain. Gill has the opportunity to build his legacy in future ICC tournaments.
- Team Culture: Dhoni created a relaxed and supportive environment. Kohli instilled aggression and a high-performance culture. Gill will need to develop his own leadership style and create a team culture that suits his vision.
- Batting Performance: Kohli's batting average as ODI captain was exceptional. Dhoni also maintained a high average and was known for his finishing abilities. Gill has a strong ODI record and will aim to continue his good form as captain.
- Win Percentage: Rohit Sharma has the best win percentage of 75% for any Indian ODI skipper in history (min. 5 matches).
Shubman Gill has a long road ahead as he embarks on his ODI captaincy journey. While comparisons to Dhoni and Kohli are inevitable, Gill has the talent, potential, and opportunity to carve his own niche and lead India to greater heights. The upcoming series against Australia will be a crucial test of his leadership skills and a glimpse into what the future holds for Indian cricket under his guidance.
