Team India’s skipper Shubman Gill supported the decision taken by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to retain ODI cricket in its traditional 50-over format. Ahead of the 3-match ODI series against England, the 26-year-old was against shortening the ODI format length from 50 overs to 40 overs.
Also, Gill suggested bringing back the concept of multi-nation contests such as the tri-series and quadrangular series. Ever since the rise in popularity of franchise league cricket, ODIs have become less exciting not only for players but also for fans.
Gll Explains: Why is it Important to reintroduce the Multi-Nation Tournament?
Until the mid-2000s, the concept of triangular series kept the ODI format engaging and public interest active. Here is what Shubman Gill suggested on reintroducing the tri-series or quadrangular series into the ODIs:
“Yes! It was fun to watch those days when we used to play triangular series a lot. We played in different conditions in Australia— a tri-series between India, Australia, and Sri Lanka. You don’t just compete with one team. Rather, you are playing against two different teams in different venues.
Suppose I get an opportunity to play a triangular series; it would be fun because you won’t compete against only one team continuously.
So, I believe we should have triangular or quadrangular series instead of bilateral series to make the ODI format more interesting to play and watch,” Gill said.
Why ODI Should Not Be Reduced to 40 Overs? Gill’s Opinion
Ahead of the opening ODI match against England, Shubman Gill said he didn’t want ODI to get reduced to 40 overs as he grew up watching the format in 50-over cricket. Here is what the Indian captain said, highlighting his sentiments towards the ODI format:
“See! The 50-over cricket has remained a core part of my childhood, and I grew up watching the ODI format. Whenever I think of the World Cup, the first thought that strikes my mind is the 50-over World Cup, which is the most prestigious tournament for me. If you want to win a high-profile tournament, it is certainly the 50-over World Cup. I believe it should not be reduced to 40 overs,” Gill explained.
Gill’s Focus on ODI Goals and India’s World Cup 2027 Preparations
Following a 0-4 whitewashing defeat to England, Team India enters the ODI series with fresh hopes to enhance their preparation for the 2027 World Cup. Here is what Shubman Gill explained about his team’s goals:
“No! The loss won’t have any impact on the team as it is a different format. The players are different, and our goals are different. We won the T20 World Cup, and now we have a different goal. Now we are playing the ODI series, and we know what we want to achieve.
As this is a completely different atmosphere, there are no areas of concern. I don’t think our playing XI is unsettled. At the same time, it becomes important to give new players a chance and experience. The more they adapt to high-pressure situations, the better they can perform, which will benefit us ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Most often, we play three or five matches in a bilateral series. When it comes to the World Cup, you get to play a maximum of 11 matches, which can make a huge difference.
Any series that we play from here onwards as a team, as a captain, will be extremely crucial for me. The learnings and the experience to lead the team in the World Cup will be important, ” Gill added.
Final Opinion: Tri-Series Revival and Success in Modern ODI?
The tri-series tournament can create huge success in the ODI format. This is because the teams’ standings, final-match qualification contests, nail-biting rivalries, and knockout situations make the multi-nation series more interesting.
According to Shubman Gill, fans get interested in seeing different teams competing against each other for several weeks rather than watching 3 to 5 ODIs between the same two teams. Also, the teams position in the points table keeps fluctuating. This not only adds value to every match, but also keeps fans glued to their seats and stay updated with the series from start to completion.
Most importantly, broadcasters get valuable and attractive content in cricket, which creates a similar excitement among fans that they experience during the World Cups and the Champions Trophy.
Those were the golden days when tri-series were part of the international cricket calendar. It was like a mini-tournament where three or more teams faced off against each other, and only the top two sides progressed into the final.
In conclusion, Gill gave a perfect suggestion to revive triangular or quadrangular series to give a fresh boost to ODI cricket without any reduction of the 50-over format length.