As Rohit Sharma officially steps down from India’s captaincy duties, the baton now passes to a younger yet promising leader – Shubman Gill.
The 26-year-old has already assumed the Test captaincy and is poised to lead India in ODIs, with a vice-captaincy role in T20Is suggesting he could soon take over the shortest format too.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Gill’s leadership journey begins at a crucial time for Indian cricket. And there’s no better blueprint to follow than that of Rohit Sharma, whose calm demeanour, tactical brilliance, and inspiring resilience left a lasting legacy. Here’s a look at the three key leadership lessons Shubman Gill can draw from Rohit Sharma – lessons that could prove vital as he guides India into the next generation of cricket.
1. Mastering Man-Management: Leading with Empathy and Authority
One of Rohit Sharma’s biggest strengths was his exceptional man-management skills. Despite being a senior figure in the dressing room, he had a remarkable ability to connect with the younger generation. Be it Sarfaraz Khan, Ishan Kishan, or other rising stars, Rohit created a space where young players could express themselves freely without fear of failure.
Yet, when needed, he didn’t hesitate to offer tough love or clear direction. This balance of empathy and authority helped maintain strong team chemistry and built a culture of trust.
For Gill: As one of the younger captains in recent memory, Shubman will need to strike the same balance. Being close in age to many players in the squad could be a strength but only if he maintains leadership boundaries. If Gill can create a culture where players feel valued and accountable, he’ll earn long-term respect and results.
2. Lead from the Front with the Bat
Rohit Sharma was not just a captain; he was a trailblazer with the bat, especially in ICC tournaments. After the retirement of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit often took on the role of aggressor, providing quick starts that allowed batters like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill himself to settle in.
His attacking intent in the 2023 ODI World Cup was a game-changer, and his performances in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy were instrumental in India’s title runs. Even under immense pressure, Rohit never stopped playing selfless, team-first cricket.
For Gill: As an opener, the role is tailor-made for him to set the tone. He must emulate Rohit’s fearless approach – not necessarily by copying his style but by maintaining a proactive mindset. A captain who leads from the front with consistent performances often lifts the entire team’s confidence. In high-stakes tournaments like the 2027 ODI World Cup, this will be crucial.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The 2023 World Cup final loss at home could have been a breaking point for Rohit Sharma. A heartbreaking defeat in front of 100,000 fans in Ahmedabad, late in his career, might have been a cue to step aside. But Rohit chose the harder path – to return, rebuild, and ultimately conquer.
His resolve paid off as he became only the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni to win both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. His journey post-defeat is a powerful example of bouncing back stronger.
For Gill: Losses are inevitable, especially in big tournaments. What defines a leader is how they respond. Gill must internalize this attitude – to see setbacks as setups for comebacks. The road to the 2027 World Cup will be long, and learning from Rohit’s unwavering commitment will help him navigate criticism, pressure, and high expectations.
The Road Ahead for Gill
As Indian cricket enters a new chapter under Shubman Gill’s leadership, the blueprint laid by Rohit Sharma provides a valuable reference point. While Gill will bring his own style and personality to the captaincy, adopting Rohit’s emotional intelligence, selfless batting approach, and mental fortitude could be the winning formula.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup a major target, Gill has both time and talent on his side. If he can absorb these key lessons from Rohit Sharma, he won’t just fill the shoes of his predecessor – he’ll create a legacy of his own.