Kohli backs Gill’s leadership and plans freer batting

Virat Kohli backed Shubman Gill’s leadership potential and said he expects the India captain to lead the team for a long time, while describing his own plan to bat with greater freedom ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies. Speaking in an interview before the opening match, scheduled for September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kohli said Gill was still learning the captaincy role but had the perspective, intensity and clear plans needed to lead. He pointed to Gill’s approach to field placements and communication with bowlers as signs of a captain willing to try different ways to put pressure on batters. Kohli also said that decision-making in leadership improves with experience and exposure to different situations. He expressed confidence that Gill would continue developing in the role, predicting that he would lead India for a long time. Those comments were Kohli’s assessment, rather than an indication of any formal change to Gill’s position. The interview also addressed Kohli’s batting approach. He said he had decided to play more freely and worry less about expectations, after spending a long period in a role focused on stabilizing the innings.