Kumble also praised Gill’s leadership skills shown during the IPL 2026.
Kumble highlighted that the veteran duo can guide the team through critical tactical decisions in high-pressure moments.
The legendary leg-spinner also praised Gill’s leadership skills shown during the IPL 2026, where he led Gujarat Titans (GT) to the final and finished as the second highest run-scorer with 732 runs from 16 innings at an impressive strike rate of 163.02.
"We have seen in the IPL that he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped," Kumble said on JioStar.
According to Kumble, Gill will benefit immensely from having Kohli and Rohit around him in the ODI setup.
"They (Virat and Rohit) can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shubman doesn't have to carry the burden alone," he added.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests in the 2024-25 season, Kohli and Rohit remain active for India only in ODIs. Both of them dominated the 50-over format last year, finishing as India’s leading and second highest run-scorers respectively.
Kumble pointed out that their remarkable World Cup records—such as Rohit's historic five-century run in the 2019 edition and Kohli's staggering 765 runs in the 2023 edition—make their dressing room presence invaluable as India builds toward the upcoming quadrennial event.
Anil Kumble also backed the inclusion of uncapped right-arm fast bowler Prince Yadav in India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series, emphasizing that the maiden call-up was a direct reward for consistent and impactful performances across both the domestic circuit and the IPL.
"His variety, cutters, slower balls and yorkers make him an all-phase bowler," Kumble said.