Shubman Gill has called for the return of tri-series and quadrangular tournaments, arguing that multi-team competitions could help reinvigorate ODI cricket while backing the ICC‘s decision to retain the 50-over format.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of India’s opening ODI against England, Gill outlined his vision for the future of one-day cricket. India have since gone on to win the first match of the series by six wickets, successfully chasing 259 after bowling England out for 258.
Gill backs the 50-over format
With debate continuing around the future of ODI cricket, includin/g suggestions that matches could be shortened to 40 overs, Gill said he believes the format should remain unchanged because of the stature of the ODI World Cup.
Gill said: “I grew up watching 50-over cricket a lot and it remained an integral part of my childhood. When I think of the World Cup, the first thought that comes to mind is the 50-over World Cup. For me, the 50-over World Cup is the most prestigious World Cup. I don’t think it should be changed to 40 overs.”
Rather than reducing the length of matches, Gill believes the international calendar should evolve in a different way by introducing more tournaments involving multiple teams.
Tri-series could make ODIs more engaging
Gill suggested that the return of tri-series and quadrangular competitions would provide greater variety than traditional bilateral series while also making the format more appealing for players and supporters.
He added: “One thing is that we used to play a lot of triangular series and it was really fun to watch. India, Australia and Sri Lanka used to play those tournaments. If I ever get a chance to play in a triangular series, it will be fun because you are not playing one team continuously. If we want to make this format more interesting, instead of having bilateral series, we can have triangular or quadrangular series. That’ll be interesting to play and to watch.”
The comments come as administrators continue exploring ways to strengthen the long-term appeal of ODI cricket while preserving the format’s place in the international calendar.
India turns attention to the 2027 World Cup
India entered the ODI series after T20I series defeats against Ireland and England, but the 50-over squad features several experienced players returning to the format, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah alongside Gill.
The India Captain also stressed the importance of giving emerging players opportunities ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
Gill noted: “I don’t think there are any concerning areas. And I also don’t think we have an unsettled XI. But obviously you have to give the new players a chance and experience. The more they are in pressure situations and the more they do well, the better it will be for us before the World Cup.”
India made a successful start to the three-match ODI series after dismissing England for 258 in 47.5 overs, with Joe Root top-scoring with an unbeaten 76, Liam Dawson making 68 and Ben Duckett contributing 43. Axar Patel, who was named Player of the Match, led the bowling effort with 4-62, while Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets each and Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket. In reply, Gill anchored the chase with 80 from 75 balls despite Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli falling cheaply for 11 and five respectively, while unbeaten half-centuries from Washington Sundar (52) and Axar Patel (57) guided India to victory with 28 balls remaining.
