Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to international cricket after a seven-month break following the Champions Trophy final in March (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

The selection of Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against Australia has stirred debate, particularly with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli making their return to international cricket after an extended break. Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has backed the move, calling it a step in the right direction, while also hinting at the selectors’ possible long-term thinking.“It’s not a guarantee both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form and a fantastic leader,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. India’s ODI squad, announced earlier this week, saw Rohit and Kohli included under Gill’s captaincy. The two veterans have not played any form of international cricket since the Champions Trophy in March, and this series beginning on October 19 against Australia will mark their return to competitive action since IPL 2025. Their inclusion, however, has not gone unquestioned. Former India chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has expressed reservations about recalling the pair, who now only play ODIs after retiring from both Tests and T20Is earlier this year. “Rohit and Virat have been great players over the years, but if you are playing just one format of the game, I believe the selectors need to take a call on this,” Vengsarkar told Mid-Day. He further added, “You cannot know or judge the form and fitness of such players because they’ve had a long layoff… it’s very difficult to assess their form and fitness.” Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has since confirmed that both players cleared their mandatory pre-season fitness tests, but clarified that their selection for the Australia series does not assure them a place in India’s long-term ODI plans leading to the 2027 World Cup.

De Villiers, however, believes the current arrangement is ideal for Indian cricket. “I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat. Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high quality, legendary players,” he said. The upcoming series in Australia will serve as a key indicator of whether the selectors continue to back experience or begin building around Gill for the next phase.