A new era of Indian cricket in the ODI format will kick off this Sunday as India take on Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series in Perth.
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the captain of the Indian team in the 50-over format, replacing veteran star Rohit Sharma in the leadership role.
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The decision was made during the ODI squad announcement for the tour down under last month. Sharma, though, has been included in the team as he returns to the international arena, alongside Virat Kohli, after eight months.
With Gill now leading the ODI side, former cricketer and pundit Aakash Chopra has chalked out the challenges which the 26-year-old might face in the Australia tour.
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Aakash Chopra points out Shubman Gill's challenges in Australia tour
During a discussion on Star Sports, Chopra said: "I feel this will be easy because you already have a set team. When the team is set, you don't have to do much. Whether it's he himself, his opening partner, No. 3, No. 4, or the one who is playing at No. 5, there is no problem whatsoever.
"The things he might miss here - it would have been even better had Jasprit Bumrah been there. If Hardik Pandya had been there in the middle, you would have felt a little more confident. However, you will have to find a few new things now. So there will be a realisation that you will not get everything always."
Jaspreet Bumrah has been rested for the ODI series, but will be a part of the T20I series, which will begin later this month. Hardik Pandya has also been excluded from both squads after the experienced all-rounder suffered an injury during the Asia Cup 2025 and is now sidelined.
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