Rishi Dhawan Predicts Shubman Gill Will Lead India in 2027 World Cup
Former pacer Rishi Dhawan predicts Shubman Gill will lead India in the 2027 ODI World Cup and praises his ability to balance captaincy with batting.
Former Indian speedster Rishi Dhawan has voiced his strong belief that Shubman Gill is evolving into a formidable leader, predicting that the young sensation will be at the helm of the Indian side during the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup.
Speaking to ANI, Dhawan highlighted how Gill has managed the heavy burden of leadership without letting his batting standards slip, a common struggle for many cricketers transitioning into captaincy roles.
A Masterclass in Balancing Roles
Gill has already taken on significant responsibilities within the national setup. Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket in May 2025, Gill was appointed as the Test captain. He was subsequently named the ODI captain in October 2025. His record under pressure has been impressive, leading India to eight wins and seven losses in 15 ODIs, including notable series victories over the West Indies and Afghanistan.
Dhawan noted the exceptional nature of Gill's dual responsibility:
"As you can see, in whichever series he has captained, he has led very well. Often when players take on captaincy, it impacts their batting, but he is handling it smoothly and delivering extraordinary batting performances continuously," Dhawan said.
The young batter's individual brilliance has also been a cornerstone of India's success. In the 50-over format, Gill anchored India's highest-ever successful ODI run chase of 406, smashing an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls against the West Indies in Guwahati. In the Test arena, his highest score as captain stands at a massive 269 against England.
The Path to 2027
Dhawan expressed confidence that the current trajectory of Gill's leadership will culminate in a strong performance on the world stage in 2027. He believes that the presence of seasoned veterans will provide the necessary support system for the young leader to flourish.
Support from the Legends
Beyond Gill's growth, Dhawan was adamant that the Indian team would benefit immensely from the continued presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI setup. He believes their experience and current fitness levels make them indispensable assets for the upcoming World Cup campaign.
"I believe he has emerged very well as a captain. By 2027, he will certainly captain very well in the World Cup. Moreover, to support and guide him, Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are there, so I don't think there will be any problems at all," Dhawan added.
Regarding the veterans, Dhawan emphasized that their contribution to Indian cricket warrants continued inclusion in major tournaments:
"Yes, absolutely, they should go. Given their fitness levels and how they are performing for the Indian team right now—coupled with the sheer amount of service they have given to the team—their experience alone is immense. They should definitely play and help win the World Cup for us," he concluded.