Shubman Gill steps into leadership with authority.

Afghanistan ODI marks the rise of India’s new captain.

Shubman Gill’s journey as India’s ODI captain found its defining moment in Dharamsala against Afghanistan. For the first time, he looked every bit the leader—commanding with the bat and steady in his decisions. In a rain-curtailed 25-over chase, Gill’s unbeaten 84 off 66 balls was not just a match-winning knock, but a statement of intent.

Chasing 195 runs in 25 overs, Gill paced his innings with remarkable composure. Despite a brief mix-up with Rohit Sharma that led to a run-out, he held firm while partners like Rohit, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply. By staying till the end, Gill ensured India’s comfortable victory, showing that leadership is not about words but about standing tall when others falter.

The lesson is clear: in Indian cricket, captaincy is inseparable from batting form. Suryakumar Yadav’s recent fall from grace illustrates this harsh reality. Despite guiding India to a T20 World Cup triumph, his lack of runs cost him both captaincy and a place in the squad. Gill seems determined not to repeat that mistake. He knows that respect in the dressing room comes from consistency with the bat.

Gill’s record already speaks volumes. His prolific 754-run haul in the England Test series last year shielded him from criticism even when India failed to clinch the series. That performance underlined his ability to shoulder responsibility, and now, his ODI innings against Afghanistan have reinforced his credentials as a captain who leads by example.

Gill’s challenge now is to maintain this balance—scoring heavily while guiding India to victories. If he continues in the same vein, he will not only secure his captaincy but also earn the trust and admiration of teammates and fans alike. Dharamsala was more than just a win; it was the arrival of Shubman Gill as India’s new leader.