Will Gill become India's next great ODI captain?

• Shubman Gill leads India's ODI side in the July 2026 England series
• He aims to match legacies of captains like Dhoni and Virat Kohli
• His leadership style and ICC tournament success will define his era

In Indian cricket, captaincy is more than a title; it’s a crown of thorns and glory. With Shubman Gill now at the helm of the ODI side, the question is inevitable: does the 'Prince' have what it takes to ascend to the throne of legends?

The Pantheon of Greats

To ask if Shubman Gill can become one of India’s greatest ODI captains is to measure him against giants. The conversation begins with Kapil Dev, who in 1983, led a team of underdogs to a World Cup victory that changed the fabric of Indian cricket forever. Then came Sourav Ganguly, a leader who inherited a team in turmoil and infused it with a fearless, aggressive identity, taking India to the 2003 World Cup final and building the foundation for future success. His legacy is defined by transformation and belief.

Dhoni and Kohli: The Modern Benchmarks

Following Ganguly's era of resurgence, Mahendra Singh Dhoni elevated Indian cricket to unprecedented heights. 'Captain Cool' was a master tactician and a calming presence under immense pressure. His trophy cabinet is unmatched; he is the only captain in history to win all three major ICC white-ball tournaments: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). Virat Kohli, his successor, ushered in an era of ruthless consistency and a culture of supreme fitness. While an ICC trophy eluded him as captain, his team was a dominant force, and he boasts the highest win percentage of any Indian ODI captain. Greatness in this context is a blend of transformative vision, tactical genius, and, crucially, silverware.

Enter Shubman Gill: The Early Signs

Shubman Gill, who became India's 28th ODI captain in October 2025, presents a different mould. His leadership journey is still in its infancy, but the early signs are promising. He has already shown remarkable composure and a tendency to lead from the front with the bat, much like his predecessors. His initial tenure as Test captain has been impressive, earning praise for his maturity and run-scoring, including becoming the first Asian captain to win a Test at Edgbaston. His captaincy in the ongoing ODI series against England in July 2026 is under keen observation, with many noting his calm demeanour on the field. He seems to combine a quiet confidence with a sharp cricketing mind, letting his performance do the talking.

The Path to Immortality

So, what does Gill need to do to join the greats? The first ingredient is creating a distinct team culture. Ganguly built a team of fighters; Dhoni nurtured a squad of cool-headed finishers; Kohli commanded an army of world-beating athletes. Gill must now stamp his own identity on the team. Will he be a serene leader like Dhoni or an expressive one like Kohli? His style appears to be more in the former camp, focusing on process and stability. The second, and perhaps most important, benchmark is success in high-pressure ICC tournaments. Bilateral series wins are expected of an Indian captain, but it is performance in World Cups and Champions Trophies that separates the good from the great. Dhoni's legacy is sealed by his three ICC titles, a feat that defines his captaincy.