"I'm Sure He Will Receive Full Support" – Former West Indies Skipper Richie Richardson Praises Shubman Gill’s Leadership Skills

Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson has supported India’s new ODI captain Shubman Gill. He said that Gill deserves the promotion and also believes that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can still play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Richardson was speaking in New Delhi during a Golf Day event for Cricket West Indies, organized by the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL). This came just after India’s big win over West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Soon after that victory, the Indian team management surprised everyone by naming Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, whose last assignment was the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

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Richie Richardson Supports Shubman Gill and Senior Players

Speaking to ANI about Shubman Gill, Richie Richardson, now a match referee after a 13-year career with over 12,000 international runs and 21 centuries, said, “I have to be careful as I am a match referee and work with these players. But Gill in England showed he is a good captain and also performed well with the bat. I am sure he will get full support from other players. That is what you want.”

“No player can play forever. If world-class players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli support him, it will be good for Indian cricket,” he added. Richardson said it is up to Rohit and Virat if they want to continue for the World Cup.

Gill’s Captaincy and West Indies Views

Gill started well as captain with a 2-2 draw in five Tests against England and leading India 1-0 over West Indies. He also led Gujarat Titans to the IPL playoffs. In England, he scored 754 runs in five Tests with four centuries, showing strong batting and leadership.

Richardson also talked about West Indies cricket. He said the team has “tremendous talent” that needs to be used well. He hopes for support from India to help West Indies cricket grow.

He added, “I am happy to be here. India has always treated us well, and fans still welcome us warmly. It is wonderful to be back.”

Gill’s promotion as ODI captain, along with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma joining India A ODIs against Australia A, raises questions if Rohit and Virat will play in the 2027 World Cup, as they will be around 40 and 39 years old.

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