Shubman Gill is settling into India's ODI captaincy, leading from the front with the bat in the Afghanistan series.

What happened?

Gill was handed the reins of the ODI team last October, and with Virat Kohli missing the series due to injury and Rohit Sharma not managing a substantial knock, the stage was set for Gill to show his leadership.

He took control of proceedings with a century that oozed calm, class, and control from the first ball he faced in Lucknow.

Why it matters for Shubman Gill

The innings, and the shots that comprised it, wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Test match, with Gill's mastery on the offside meaning he was only seeing gaps, relying on timing and placement instead of brute strength.

Gill ensured there was no cause for alarm when Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to make the opportunity count, and his partnership with Rohit Sharma would have been a narrative for the broadcasters to bite into.

What comes next?

India will face tougher opposition than Afghanistan as they build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the two matches have been useful in conveying who is in charge.

Gill's captaincy credentials were buttressed by his decision to give up his customary opening slot to Yashasvi Jaiswal for the game, showing he thinks of the bigger picture and not just about his own fortunes.

Ishan Kishan got to his hundred soon after Gill reached three figures, off 77 balls with almost 18 overs left in the innings, as India looked to build a strong total.

The current captain and his predecessor in a big partnership would have been a narrative for the broadcasters to bite into, but Rashid Khan didn’t play ball, breaching Rohit’s defence when he was two short of a half-century.

Gill's performance has shown that he is the man to lead from the front, and his calm and class with the bat have been a key factor in India's success in the series.

The stage was set for Gill to show his leadership, and he took it with both hands, leading India to a strong total and showing that he is the future of Indian cricket.

Gill's innings was a testament to his skill and ability, and he will look to continue his good form as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The series has been a useful one for India, and Gill's performance has been a key factor in their success, as they look to build a strong team for the future.

Gill's captaincy has been impressive, and he has shown that he is capable of leading the team to success, even in the absence of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

The future looks bright for Indian cricket, and Shubman Gill is at the forefront of it, leading the team with his bat and his captaincy, and showing that he is the man to lead India to success in the years to come.