India’s veteran batter Virat Kohli said Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is still a work-in-progress as he is evolving as a leader. However, Kohli reckons Gill has the right perspective and intensity to lead India in the right direction.

Gill has had mixed results in the ODI format, winning six out of the 12 matches he has led in. India also lost the last ODI series against England in away conditions under Gill’s leadership.

Gill’s best Test result came when India played a 2-2 draw against England in English conditions in 2025. However, the team lost while playing at home against South Africa. Unfortunately, Gill hasn’t had the first-choice playing XI because of injury woes.

Virat Kohli said in an interview with JioStar, “Shubman, the captain, is still learning. He is still young in the role, but he has got the right perspective and the right kind of intensity to lead the Indian team. He (Gill) has got his plans very clear in terms of how he looks at us operating in the field. Of course, with more experience and understanding of situations, the kind of calls you make are things that he will keep working on and improving, which everyone does in a leadership role.”

Kohli backed Gill to lead India for a long time and deliver as a captain.

“He has got the desire to lead the Indian cricket team in the right way, which is the most important factor. So, I see him leading for a long time, and he will be absolutely fine. He thinks of ways to get batters out in the field, which is always a sign of doing something different or staying a step ahead. He is not shy about using different kinds of fields, putting guys under pressure, communicating the same to the bowlers, and bringing in a certain kind of bowling attack,” said Kohli (via the aforementioned source).

Kohli has been a massive support for Gill on the field.