India's ODI captain Shubman Gill has officially backed the ICC's stance on maintaining the current 50-over format, emphasizing that the ODI World Cup remains the pinnacle of the sport. Speaking ahead of the opening ODI match in Birmingham against England, Gill dismissed suggestions that the format should be reduced to 40 overs, noting that 50-over cricket was an integral part of his upbringing.
To inject fresh excitement into the format for both players and fans, Gill proposed the revival of triangular and quadrangular series. He recalled the days when India, Australia, and Sri Lanka frequently competed in such tournaments, noting that playing against multiple opponents rather than just one in a bilateral series would be far more engaging. He believes these multi-team structures are a viable way to make the format more interesting.
Addressing recent concerns regarding India's form, Gill stated that the team's 4-0 T20I series defeat to England and a 2-0 loss in Ireland would not impact the ODI squad. He noted that the atmosphere, goals, and team composition are entirely different for the 50-over format, especially following their T20 World Cup success. While injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have forced tactical adjustments, Gill insisted the ODI side remains settled.
The captain emphasized the importance of providing younger players with experience in high-pressure situations leading up to the 2027 World Cup. He also revealed that he recently consulted with Virat Kohli to discuss optimal squad combinations, including the identification of future prospects for bowlers, all-rounders, and spinners. Gill highlighted the continued value of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, describing them as the backbone of the batting order. Additionally, he expressed confidence in Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to return to ODI cricket for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final.
