Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma as India's ODI Captain
In a major leadership change, the BCCI has appointed opening batsman Shubman Gill as the new captain of India's One-Day International team, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision was announced with the squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, signalling a long-term strategy focused on the 2027 World Cup. While removed from the captaincy, Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, has been named in the 15-member squad. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new vice-captain of the ODI side.
Unpacked:
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that maintaining three different captains across formats was impractical. Gill’s appointment streamlines leadership and aligns with a long-term strategy for the 2027 World Cup, despite Rohit Sharma’s recent successes as captain.
Shubman Gill, age 26, became India’s Test captain earlier in 2025, impressing with 754 runs in five Tests. He previously served as ODI vice-captain and T20 vice-captain, demonstrating leadership potential across formats.
Reactions have been mixed. Some see Gill’s appointment as a strategic move for youth and continuity, while others question whether his relative inexperience may create leadership overload. Rohit Sharma’s long tenure is widely celebrated.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain in the 15-member squad for the Australia tour. While Sharma is no longer captain, he is expected to contribute as a specialist batter alongside Kohli.