Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Nehra Assesses Gill’s Captaincy and 2027 World Cup Futures
Ashish Nehra said Shubman Gill is still learning how to be a captain.
Gill has not been captain for many years, so Nehra expects him to improve with practice.
Nehra said Gill is quieter and more reserved than Hardik Pandya.
He also said both players want to learn and get better.
Nehra does not know yet whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the 2027 World Cup.
Their future could depend on how well they perform before the tournament.
Nehra said losing important finals can teach teams valuable lessons.
He also said he is happy coaching Gujarat Titans and is not currently planning to become India’s head coach.
Ashish Nehra called Shubman Gill a “work in progress” who should improve through experience.
Nehra described Gill as reserved and Hardik Pandya as more communicative, while saying both are eager to learn.
Gill has led India in 11 Tests, recording six wins, three losses and two draws.
Nehra said it is too early to predict whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Nehra said he has no immediate ambition to coach India and is satisfied with his role at Gujarat Titans.
- Who
- Ashish Nehra, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
- What
- Nehra discussed Gill’s developing captaincy, compared him with Pandya, and assessed the uncertainty surrounding Rohit and Kohli’s 2027 World Cup prospects.
- When
- Nehra made the comments on Monday; the next ODI World Cup is scheduled for 2027.
- Where
- He spoke at the Cricket Association of Bengal’s annual awards ceremony in Kolkata.
- Why
- Nehra said captaincy develops through experience and that future World Cup selections will depend on performances closer to the tournament.
Reasons for Continuity
Reasons for Uncertainty
Rohit and Kohli’s 2027 selection
Reasons for Continuity
Nehra said the two veterans could still be considered if they continue performing well.
Reasons for Uncertainty
Nehra said it is too early to guarantee their places because performance and circumstances can change even weeks before a major tournament.
Attribution for Gujarat Titans’ success
Reasons for Continuity
Nehra acknowledged that his coaching and leadership are associated with Gujarat Titans’ strong results.
Reasons for Uncertainty
Nehra argued that team achievements should be credited to Gujarat Titans collectively, rather than to one captain or coach.
- Gill’s Test captaincy record
- Six wins, three losses and two draws in 11 Tests; a 54.55% win percentage.
- Gujarat Titans partnership
- Nehra and Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to the 2022 IPL title and the 2023 final.
- Gill at Gujarat Titans
- Gill became captain after Pandya’s departure and led the team to a runners-up finish in the last IPL season.
- 2027 World Cup venues
- The ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Projected ages in 2027
- Rohit Sharma would be 40 and Virat Kohli would be 39.
- Nehra’s current position
- He is the head coach of Gujarat Titans and said he is content in that role.
- Nehra’s World Cup reflection
- He said he has no regrets about past final defeats and views them as learning experiences.