Shubman Gill Advocates Return of Tri-Series to Boost ODI Cricket

Shubman Gill, India's ODI captain, has backed the ICC's decision to not make changes to the 50-over format, insisting the ODI World Cup remains the pinnacle. Ahead of the opening ODI against England, Gill expressed his support for the return of tri-series and quadrangular tournaments to boost ODI cricket.

Gill believes that the 50-over format does not require a reduction to 40 overs. Instead, he thinks bringing back multi-team tournaments would make the format more exciting for both players and fans. "I grew up watching 50-over cricket a lot and it remained an integral part of my childhood," Gill said. "When I think of the World Cup, the first thought that comes to mind is the 50-over World Cup. For me, the 50-over World Cup is the most prestigious World Cup."

Gill thinks that playing triangular or quadrangular series would be more interesting than bilateral series. "If we want to make this format more interesting, instead of having bilateral series, we can have triangular or quadrangular series. That'll be interesting to play and to watch," he said.

Gill maintained that the ODI side remains settled, despite injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. He stressed the importance of exposing younger players to high-pressure situations before the 2027 World Cup. "I don't think there are any concerning areas. And I also don't think we have an unsettled XI. But obviously you have to give the new players a chance and experience. The more they are in pressure situations and the more they do well, the better it will be for us before the World Cup," he observed.

Gill revealed that a conversation with Virat Kohli earlier this week revolved around identifying the best squad combinations for the 2027 event. "The conversation was regarding the combination - what combination could be best for us, which players may not be in the team right now but could help us in the future, which bowlers, all-rounders and spinners. We were talking about that," Gill confirmed. He also expressed confidence that Jasprit Bumrah would ease back into ODI cricket with the pacer all set to play his first game in the format post the 2023 World Cup final.

Gill dismissed suggestions that India's 4-0 T20I series defeat to England would have any bearing on the ODI side. "I don't think that will have an impact on this team," Gill stated. "It's a different format, a different team and the goal is different. We just played the T20 World Cup and won. Now, playing the one-day series, our team has a different goal as to what we want to achieve. In that regard, I think the atmosphere is different.