New Delhi: In a decision that may signal a generational shift in Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has removed Rohit Sharma as India’s One-Day International (ODI) captain, handing the leadership to young opener Shubman Gill. The change, confirmed by the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, comes ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, marking the start of a new era for the national side.
Gill, who already leads India in Tests and serves as vice-captain in T20Is, will now take over as full-time ODI captain, completing his rise as India’s all-format leader. The BCCI’s move is widely viewed as a strategic decision aimed at grooming a younger core ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Rohit Sharma, 38, remains part of the squad for the Australia tour alongside Virat Kohli but will no longer hold the captaincy. His exit from leadership duties marks the end of one of India’s most successful white-ball captaincy tenures. Under Rohit, India played 56 ODIs, winning 42 and losing just 12, with a win rate exceeding 75 percent. His captaincy saw India clinch the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, and reach the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil.
The selectors have also appointed Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain for the Australia series, acknowledging his leadership credentials from the Indian Premier League and his consistent form in the middle order.
The BCCI’s decision, though expected after months of speculation, officially draws a curtain on Rohit’s leadership chapter in white-ball cricket and sets the stage for Gill’s captaincy debut. The 25-year-old opener, seen as the torchbearer of India’s next generation, will now shoulder the responsibility of leading across formats.
The Australia series will serve as Gill’s first major challenge as ODI captain, testing his tactical acumen and composure against one of the strongest teams in world cricket. For Rohit, the transition marks a return to a senior player’s role — focusing on his batting and mentoring duties as India embraces a fresh leadership era.
