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![Fan greets Shubman Gill with 'Pakistan Zindabad' chant in Adelaide [Watch]](https://d2731bbzmt3wpb.cloudfront.net/news/image/us-west-2:25d97050-7aa7-43a6-a623-8fb02e6af97e/20251023/e11a3503bf2b48cbbd2110a67b8ca377.jpg)
India's cricket scene is abuzz as Shubman Gill, the newly appointed ODI captain, leads the team in a crucial series against Australia. This series is significant for Gill, who took over from Rohit Sharma on October 4, marking his first major leadership role. The young captain from Punjab faces the dual challenge of proving his mettle on the field while managing unexpected off-field incidents that have captured public attention. In the first ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth, India faced a setback, losing by seven wickets. Gill's performance was underwhelming, scoring only 10 runs from 18 balls. This has put additional pressure on him to deliver in the upcoming matches. The second ODI at Adelaide Oval is a must-win for India to keep the series alive, and Gill's leadership will be crucial in navigating this challenge. While preparing for the second ODI, Gill encountered an unexpected situation that quickly went viral. During a stroll in Adelaide, a fan approached him, chanting "Pakistan Zindabad" after a handshake. The incident, captured on video, has been widely circulated online, adding an intriguing layer to the series. Gill's composed reaction to the unexpected situation has been praised, highlighting his maturity under pressure. As India gears up for the second ODI, the team management has decided to stick with the same lineup that played in Perth. This decision underscores the confidence in the current squad's ability to bounce back. The match in Adelaide is crucial, not only for the series outcome but also for boosting the team's morale. The return of seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the lineup has been a focal point. Both players, making their comeback after a significant break, had a disappointing outing in the first ODI. Kohli was dismissed for a duck, while Rohit managed only eight runs. Their performance in the second ODI will be closely watched, as fans hope for a strong showing from the experienced duo. The weather in Adelaide has been a topic of concern, with continuous rain over the past few days. However, forecasts suggest clear weather on match day, with temperatures between 8°C and 18°C. The Adelaide Oval pitch has traditionally favored batters, but early movement and bounce could provide opportunities for pace bowlers. On the Australian side, the team has opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a strategic decision considering the pitch conditions. Australia has made some changes to their squad, with Alex Carey and Adam Zampa returning after missing the first ODI. Carey's inclusion is part of his preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, while Zampa returns after attending to family commitments. The absence of head coach Andrew McDonald, who has left the squad to focus on Ashes preparations, is another significant development. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will step in as the stand-in head coach for the remainder of the series. This change in leadership could influence Australia's approach and strategy in the upcoming matches. The incident involving Gill and the fan's chant is reminiscent of past instances where sports and politics have intersected. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is steeped in history, with matches between the two nations often transcending the sport itself. In previous encounters, players from both sides have faced similar situations, where political sentiments have spilled over into the sporting arena.