Shubman Gill’s ODI captaincy tenure began with a 2-1 series loss to Australia. While India lost the first two ODIs in Perth and Adelaide by seven wickets and two wickets respectively, the visitors registered a consolation nine-wicket victory in the third and final match at SCG.

Ahead of the Australia tour, the 38-year-old Rohit Sharma was removed as ODI captain and the leadership baton was passed over to Gill, with the 2027 World Cup firmly in sight.

However, former India chief selector Krish Srikkanth believes Gill’s ‘body language’ is revealing that he’s feeling the pressure of replacing Rohit as skipper.

Srikkanth also suggested that talented opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s presence on the bench is adding to the pressure on Shubman Gill.

The Indian captain returned with scores of 10, 9 and 24 in three ODIs against Australia, and Srikkanth said Gill needs a couple of big knocks in the next series versus South Africa to regain confidence.

“After performing in England, probably he is also putting pressure on himself. He shouldn’t do that and just play his game. He actually played well today but just got a superb delivery from Hazlewood. More than Shubman Gill getting himself out, it was a wicket-taking delivery that got him. But he does look to be under pressure, just observing his body language because he has replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain, while also opening alongside him," Srikkanth said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“And on the other side, everyone is asking why Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t playing. All that adds to his pressure. But he’ll get over it as he’s a fantastic player. He should just play his normal game because he’s getting his strides and shots right. He’s just getting out, that’s the only thing. So once he produces a couple of big knocks at home against South Africa, he’ll be set again," he added.

Shubman Gill will next lead India in ODIs during the three-match home series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi.