India captain Shubman Gill received a big vote of confidence from Virat Kohli , who said Gill has found the right perspective and intensity to lead the team for a long time to come.
Kohli, speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s first ODI against West Indies on Sunday (September 27, 2026), shared his thoughts on the national captain and also explained his own changed batting approach. Kohli, who will turn 38 soon, has been in outstanding form over his last 10 ODIs, scoring three centuries, one score above 90 and four fifties. He has looked fresh and rejuvenated as a one-format player over the past 18 months.
Kohli Aims for Game-Changing Contributions
Virat Kohli expressed his desire to carve out a niche where he can add an extra 30 to 40 runs for his team. He stated, “I am making a conscious effort that if I’m set to make a difference in the game, where you can get 30–40 extra runs. I want to stay in a space where, if I’m choosing not to take a risk, it’s because I’m setting up eventually to get to a point where I say, okay, now press the accelerator down.” This approach reflects his strategic mindset as he seeks to enhance his performance and impact during matches.
He believes that if he bats till the end, the team can easily reach 350 to 360 runs. “The game is changing in a way that, especially if the conditions are fast-paced and good, and other teams are looking to push you towards 340–350, we should be able to get 350–360 as well. Because i know that if I make runs there, we’ll get 350–360 easily, i’m very willing to take risks now.
“Shubman, the captain, is still learning. What impressed Kohli was Gill’s clarity in devising strategy and his intent to do things the right way. “He has got his plans very clear in terms of how he looks at us operating in the field. “But he has got the desire to lead the Indian cricket team in the right way, which is the most important factor. So, I see him leading for a long time, and he will be absolutely fine,” he added. And if I do that and play longer, then I can hit more at the end.”
He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team,” Kohli said. Of course, with more experience and understanding situations, the kind of calls you take are things that he will keep working on and improving, which everyone does in a leadership role,” Kohli said.