Shubman Gill to Captain India in Upcoming ODI Series
Rohit Sharma has been replaced as India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill set to lead the team in the three-match series against Australia starting October 19, 2025. Despite this change, Rohit Sharma will continue to play in the ODI squad alongside Virat Kohli, both under Gill’s captaincy.
Reason Behind the Captaincy Change
When questioned about Rohit Sharma’s removal, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the decision was made with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. Agarkar confirmed that Rohit was informed about the decision before the official announcement, though he did not disclose Sharma’s personal reaction.
Shubman Gill’s Response
Shubman Gill expressed his happiness upon receiving the captaincy, stating:
“We have around 20 ODIs before the World Cup, and our biggest goal is to win the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.”
Agarkar on Planning for the Future
Agarkar emphasized that giving the new captain sufficient time with the team was crucial for preparation and building cohesion ahead of the World Cup. He also highlighted that managing different captains for Tests, ODIs, and T20s is challenging, and with Rohit’s retirement from Tests, the selectors decided to hand the ODI captaincy to a younger player.
Acknowledging Rohit Sharma’s Contributions
Agarkar acknowledged that the decision was difficult, especially considering Rohit Sharma led India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final and won the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
