India ODI captain Shubman Gill has opposed the idea of reducing One-Day Internationals from 50 overs to 40, saying the format does not need to be shortened. Instead, he believes bringing back tri-series and multi-nation tournaments is the best way to increase interest in ODI cricket.

With discussions around the future of the 50-over format continuing, Gill said the focus should be on making the schedule more competitive rather than changing the game’s duration.

Shubman Gill wants more multi-nation tournaments

Speaking ahead of India’s ODI series against England, Gill said tri-series and quadrangular tournaments would make ODI cricket more exciting for players and fans alike.

In the press conference recalled, “We used to play a lot of triangular series, and it was a lot of fun to watch. We used to play in Australia — India, Australia, Sri Lanka. You’re not playing with just one team. You’re playing against two different teams. You’re playing at different venues.

So, I think, if we want to make this (ODI) format interesting, instead of having bilateral series, we should have triangular series, maybe quadrangular series. Let’s do something like that, so that it will be interesting to play and watch,”

Shubman Gill aims at 2027 World Cup

Gill also stressed that India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have already begun. He said the England series provides an important opportunity to test combinations and build a settled squad for the tournament in South Africa. Adding to that, he said,” “The preparation for the World Cup (2027) is very important. Our mindset is about what kind of combination we can try, and the wickets we will get in South Africa will be similar to what we will play on here.”

The skipper believes every ODI over the next two years will play a key role in shaping India’s World Cup campaign. He also said gaining captaincy experience during this period will help him lead the team more effectively on the biggest stage.

Gill acknowledged that injuries to a few players have affected the squad but insisted India has enough depth to overcome those setbacks.

The 26-year-old reiterated that the 50-over World Cup remains one of cricket’s greatest tournaments and should be preserved in its current form. Rather than cutting 10 overs from each innings, Gill believes the return of tri-series and other multi-team competitions is the smarter way to revive interest in ODI cricket.