Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes has advised India's ODI captain Shubman Gill to actively draw on the experience of senior teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while remaining firmly anchored in his own leadership identity. Speaking to JioStar, Rhodes backed the young skipper to grow into the role despite the formidable pressures that accompany leading one of cricket's most scrutinised sides.

Rhodes on Gill's Captaincy Balance

Gill took over as India's ODI captain in October last year, replacing Rohit Sharma. Since then, he has won six matches and lost six, recording a 50 per cent win percentage — a record that reflects both the opportunity and the challenge ahead of him.

Rhodes was clear that seeking counsel from experienced players is a strength, not a weakness. 'The key with being a leader is understanding that you've got these senior players around you, and it's not a negative mark on your captaincy if you ask around for help, or for opinions and ideas,' he said.

'Obviously, as the leader and the captain, you have to make the final choice. That's often the hardest thing about captaining so many experienced players, they all give you great options, but you now have to make the call. So, having the likes of Rohit and Virat in your setup, and Shubman has been pretty consistent in his energy levels, the way that he conducts himself as a captain, and prior to that, as a player, it's all very consistent,' Rhodes added.

He further noted that authenticity under pressure is non-negotiable for any leader. 'As long as he's not trying to be anybody else, which is impossible, because when you're under pressure, you always revert back to who you really are. He's gotten to that stride very quickly,' Rhodes said.

Rhodes Eyes the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa

Rhodes, who is currently co-owner of the Rotterdam Dockers in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), also turned his attention to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. He cautioned that visiting teams will need to adapt swiftly to the varied conditions across host venues.

'It's interesting because what is impacted in the field is often the altitude. If you play at the coast, it's different to playing in Johannesburg or Pretoria, where altitude affects it,' he explained. Rhodes expressed confidence in India's ability to cope, highlighting the team's mastery of modern batting techniques. 'The Indian players ramp the ball so well. They get inside and scoop the ball so well, so they've adapted really quickly to the modern world of cricket,' he said.

A Career-Defining Moment — and a Memory More Cherished

Widely regarded as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history, Rhodes is globally remembered for his iconic diving run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq at the 1992 World Cup. Yet, in a candid revelation, he disclosed that his most treasured personal memory came a year later on Indian soil.

'That run-out at the World Cup launched my career. People suddenly took notice of fielding. But I think the most amazing day for me in the field was when we were playing at Brabourne Stadium at CCI in 1993, the Hero Cup. South Africa were playing against the West Indies, and there were 20,000 people in the crowd,' he recalled.

Rhodes revealed he took five catches that day — a performance he was later told set a world record for fielding. 'I didn't even know there were records for fielding, it was just something that I loved doing. You kind of expect adoration and support in your own country, but when you're touring, and it was a neutral venue, we weren't playing against India. So, having 20,000 Indian fans chanting, 'Jonty, Jonty,' was something I will never, ever forget,' he said.

What This Means for India's ODI Future

Rhodes's endorsement carries weight at a pivotal juncture for Indian cricket. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon and a transition underway from the Rohit Sharma-led era, Gill's ability to harness the wisdom of his senior colleagues while forging his own captaincy identity could prove decisive. The coming months of ODI cricket will offer the clearest test of whether that balance is achievable.