Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble has heaped praise on Shubman Gill ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting on June 13 in Dharamshala. All eyes will be on Gill’s captaincy as the Men in Blue begin preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027.
The Indian team is yet to win the ODI series under Gill after six ODIs, so the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan is expected to give a better idea of how the team is going to move forward. Afghanistan series is an important test for Shubman Gill before the ODI World Cup 2027.
After India’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph, Rohit Sharma was moved out of ODI captaincy duties, and Shubman Gill was given the responsibility. However, Rohit and Virat Kohli remain very important parts of India’s ODI setup after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Before the India vs Afghanistan ODI series, Anil Kumble had strongly backed Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The former Indian head coach said that Gill has already shown good signs as a captain, especially in IPL 2026, where he led the Gujarat Titans to the final.
Kumble was really impressed with the way Gill used his bowlers with good timing, rotating his options well and handling pressure situations well in the IPL 2026. At the same time, the right-hander scored plenty of runs for his team, which makes him a valuable leader in the long run.
Anil Kumble said on JioStar: “We have seen in the IPL that he (Shubman Gill) has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped.”
Notably, Shubman Gill finished the IPL 2026 as the second-leading run scorer with 732 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.75 and a strike rate of 163.02. He hit one century and six half-centuries in the tournament and led GT from the front.
Anil Kumble wants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to help Shubman Gill; hails Prince Yadav
The former Indian captain also stressed the importance of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the young side. He believes that they can help Gill with inputs on field placements, bowling changes, and match situations.
Kumble added, “They (Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma) can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shubman doesn't have to carry the burden alone.”
He also praised Prince Yadav, who has earned his maiden call-up, saying his “variety, cutters, slower balls, and yorkers make him an all-phase bowler.” Kumble said that Yadav should be given enough chances to settle into international cricket.
Virat Kohli out of action after IPL 2026 injury
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli recently had a strong IPL 2026 campaign, where he scored 675 runs in 16 matches and helped RCB to retain their title successfully. He also hit a match-winning fifty in the IPL 2026 final for RCB against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
However, Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the final and has now been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. He is expected to return to action on the England tour next month.
Rohit Sharma has also recently regained his match fitness after training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence for a week. He had also sustained a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026. But Rohit Sharma returned to India's ODI squad against Afghanistan.
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