Gill eyes redemption for India at 2027 Cricket World Cup

India ODI captain Shubman Gill has revealed his desire to lead his country to success at next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Gill was part of the India side that fell at the final hurdle when beaten by Australia on home soil at the most recent World Cup in 2023 and missed out on the recent success when they claimed a record third title at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

With the next major ICC tournament arriving in 2027 when the 50-over World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Gill said it would be the ultimate prize for him if he could help the side lift another coveted trophy.

"Definitely, it does. That (the 2027 World Cup) is the ultimate goal," Gill told Star Sports during the BCCI awards event on Sunday.

"We felt like we were so close last time when we were here in (2023 final) in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, it's going to be a great opportunity for us.

"Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal. So obviously, that is something that sometimes runs in my mind."

Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024–25 season for the second time at the BCCI Awards ceremony, with the right-hander recognised for his bulk runs for his country at Test level during the period and his contribution to India's success at the ICC Champions Trophy event last year.

While Gill was understudy to long-time skipper Rohit Sharma for that Champions Trophy title, he will get the chance to create his own legacy at next year's World Cup and help India add to their already burgeoning trophy cabinet.

India won their first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title last year adding to recent success for the country at the Men's T20 World Cup (2024 and 2026), Champions Trophy (2025) and both Men's and Women's Under-19 World Cups.

“I think what we have been able to achieve last year as India, five ICC trophies, I don’t think it has ever happened," Gill added.

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