Shubman Gill named India’s ODI Captain, Rohit Sharma steps down ahead of Australia series
PTC Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI Captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of the three-match series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.
The squad, revealed on Saturday by BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, reflects a clear vision to groom Gill, 26, as India’s leader for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Shubman Gill, who recently took over India’s Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format, now leads the national team in two formats and serves as the T20I vice-captain. Shreyas Iyer has been named his deputy for the ODIs, recognising his strong leadership credentials in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rohit Sharma, 38, had been preparing rigorously in Mumbai ahead of the Australia tour, training under former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. Recent images and videos of Rohit highlighted his impressive fitness transformation. Despite stepping down as ODI captain, Rohit Sharma remains part of the squad along with Virat Kohli, marking their first international series together since India’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy victory over New Zealand.
The selection committee’s decision, taken in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, reflects a strategic shift in Indian cricket, focusing on nurturing a long-term captaincy core.
Rohit’s tenure as ODI captain saw India play 56 matches, winning 42 and losing 12, achieving a remarkable winning percentage of 75. Under his leadership, India won the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the ICC Champions Trophy, while also reaching the 50-over World Cup final.
Rohit Sharma assumed the ODI captaincy in December 2021, replacing Virat Kohli, following the BCCI’s policy of appointing a single leader across both white-ball formats. Although he did not lead India in as many ODIs as MS Dhoni or Kohli, his achievements in limited-overs cricket cement his legacy as one of India’s most successful white-ball captains.
- With inputs from agencies
