The ODI captaincy saga for the Indian cricket team has fans eagerly sitting on the edge of their seats for the verdict. Shubman Gill was the obvious choice for captaincy in the red-ball format.
The Indian cricket team has always been blessed with an abundance of batting talent. While Gill has become one of India’s most dependable openers in recent years, Iyer has been a key figure in scoring runs from the middle order.
Batting Statistics
| Metric | Shreyas Iyer | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 70 | 55 |
| Innings | 65 | 55 |
| Runs | 2,845 | 2775 |
| Highest Score | 128* | 208 |
| SR | 100 | 99.56 |
| 100s/50s | 5/22 | 8/15 |
| Average | 48.22 | 59.04 |
Shreyas Iyer
Since his ODI debut in 2017, Iyer has cemented himself as a reliable middle-order batter. He has shown the ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when required. He’s often shown up in situations where India’s top order fell short.
Shubman Gill
The current captain of the Test team first featured in India’s ODI setup in 2019. Since then, he has made a sensational impact at the top of the order, establishing himself as one of India’s most consistent run-getters. His batting average of 59.04 suggests that he balances control with aggression, making him one of the best young ODI batters in the world.
Batting Style and Roles
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer possesses the composure required to bat in the middle orders. He’s generally deployed during tricky chases or rebuilding phases. However, Iyer thrives in these scenarios, hitting clean in the final over, making him a versatile option for the Indian team.
He is particularly effective against spinners, often using his footwork to dominate and disrupt their rhythm. His compact technique allows him to build partnerships, while his ability to accelerate ensures that he can shift gears seamlessly.
Shubman Gill
As an opener, Gill combines elegance with aggression. His batting is built on timing and placement rather than brute force, making him aesthetically pleasing to watch.
Gill uses his solid technique to play long innings, wearing down bowlers before capitalizing. He dictates terms early on, giving India the advantage with strong starts. While Iyer is more of an innings stabilizer, Gill is a tone-setter at the top.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026: France Announce Strong Squad for Qualifiers – Check Full Squad
Captaincy
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer has had considerable exposure as a captain in the IPL. He became the first captain in IPL history to lead three different franchises: Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings to the finals. He finally helped in securing a title with KKR in 2024.
He was praised for his calm demeanor on the field and tactical awareness. While he hasn’t yet had a run as India’s ODI captain, his experience in the IPL has given him the reputation of being a composed leader.
Shubman Gill
Gill, although he is still early in his journey, has already been tested with leadership responsibilities. He is currently the captain of the Indian Test team and the vice-captain of the ODI side. Gill has also captained his state team, Punjab, and the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Summary
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill represent two different yet equally important dimensions of India’s ODI batting lineup. Gill offers flair, consistency, and the ability to dominate from the outset.
Whereas Iyer provides balance, experience, and the composure needed to handle pressure in the middle overs. Their contrasting skills complement each other, strengthening India’s chances in global tournaments.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
