New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India captain Shubman Gill has described the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup as “unfinished business” following India’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 final, saying he is grateful for another opportunity to represent the country at the marquee tournament.
India will begin their 2027 World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia in Cape Town on October 7, setting up an immediate rematch of the 2023 final in Ahmedabad.
“Yes, absolutely, it’s unfinished business because of the way we played throughout that World Cup. We were looking like the best team in the tournament. But World Cups are like that. You might play the entire tournament well, but you don’t play one game well, and that game could be the final of the World Cup,” Gill said on JioStar ahead of the third ODI against the West Indies.
Gill emphasised that players get only a limited number of opportunities to represent their country at a World Cup.
“As a player, you don’t get that many opportunities to represent your country in a World Cup. There could be two, three, four, five, you never know. So, every World Cup that you play for your country is a big honour. So, very grateful to be able to play another one,” he said.
With Gill set to lead India at the 2027 tournament, he said he views captaincy primarily as a responsibility rather than a personal milestone.
“Even while growing up, it was not really my dream that I had to become India’s captain one day. My dream was always to play for the country and win matches for my country, and that was always my aim growing up,” he said.
Gill added that treating captaincy as a responsibility helps him stay focused on his role.
“I have been given the responsibility of the team, and that makes things a lot easier for me. I don’t feel that much pressure about this thing because I feel that if I do things with the right intent, then everything will fall into place,” he said.
Gill also reflected on becoming the No. 1-ranked ODI batter, a feat he achieved during the 2023 World Cup. While he said the achievement felt good, he now places greater emphasis on contributing to team victories.
“The first time when I became the number one-ranked batsman, I think it was during the 2023 World Cup. And it felt good. As a kid, you look at the rankings, so it was like a tick mark,” he said.
“But I think right now it doesn’t matter as much. For me, it’s more important that if you step out in a match, go to bat, then how you can make the team win, how you can contribute,” Gill added.
The 2027 World Cup will be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the tournament scheduled from October 2 to November 21.
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