India's ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has emphasized the crucial role of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that their extensive experience significantly eases his captaincy duties, especially as Team India prepares for a three-match One Day International series against New Zealand. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the series opener in Vadodara on January 11, Gill lauded Rohit as one of the greatest ODI openers and Virat Kohli as one of the greatest ODI batters ever, highlighting their ability to provide invaluable guidance in high-pressure situations. Gill also took the opportunity to firmly dismiss speculations regarding a potential dressing-room rift following the return of the senior players. He asserted that the team's atmosphere is "amazing" and that both Kohli and Rohit are dedicated to advancing Indian cricket. Furthermore, the captain addressed India's recent struggles in Test cricket, attributing the team's performance setbacks to a demanding international calendar and insufficient preparation time between tours and matches. The ODI series against New Zealand, which includes matches in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore, is seen as vital preparation for upcoming major tournaments. The ICC's report also noted Gill's comments on his recent omission from India's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. This news comes amidst a busy cricketing schedule for India, with a strong focus on white-ball formats and team dynamics for future ICC events. The consistent reporting across multiple credible sources like ICC, NDTV Sports, and India Today corroborates these statements and events.