As the Indian cricket team gears up for their opening one-day international (ODI) against Australia in Perth, all eyes are on the return of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The duo, who last played for India during their Champions Trophy victory in March, are set to make a much-anticipated comeback. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, India’s newly appointed ODI captain, expressed both excitement and humility as he steps into the leadership role. ‘It’s definitely very exciting, but also a big responsibility to carry forward the legacy left by Virat and Rohit,’ Gill remarked during a press conference on Saturday. The 26-year-old, who has previously captained India in T20Is and Tests, acknowledged the immense influence Kohli and Sharma have had on his career. ‘These are players I idolized as a kid. Their hunger and passion for the game inspired me. It’s an honor to lead such legends and learn from them,’ he added. Gill, who boasts an impressive ODI batting average of nearly 60, emphasized the importance of open communication and mutual respect within the team. ‘In challenging situations, I won’t hesitate to seek their advice. I want to create an environment where every player feels secure and confident in their role,’ he stated. Australia’s captain, Mitch Marsh, acknowledged the star power of Kohli and Sharma, predicting a near-sellout crowd at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium despite the threat of rain. ‘A lot of people are coming to watch them. If this is their last time on Australian soil, I hope they enjoy it,’ Marsh said, jokingly adding that he hopes they don’t play ‘too well.’ Marsh, who has been in stellar form recently, dismissed speculation about a potential Test recall ahead of the Ashes series, humorously noting that he’s only secured tickets for the first two days of the Perth match.