India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
The decision to move on from Rohit Sharma has come midway through the four-year cycle between ODI World Cups. Rohit continued as captain despite India’s defeat in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. Since then, he has led India to a T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and was instrumental in their unbeaten run to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year. Rohit, who took over as full-time captain in 2021, led in 56 one-dayers and won 46 of them.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
Rohit, now 38, will be 40 by the time of India’s World Cup campaign in 2027. While some expected him to continue as captain, others speculated that it could be the end of the road for him and Kohli in international cricket, with rumours of a farewell series being planned in Australia. However, both veterans have been working hard on their comebacks. Rohit has been training in Mumbai under the guidance of former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, while Kohli has been preparing in London.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
Ajit Agarkar’s press conference was concise and left little room for speculation regarding the decision taken on Saturday.
When asked why the selectors had moved on from Rohit Sharma, Agarkar shed light on the challenges of managing three different captains for the senior national side. Gill was appointed Test captain in June, while Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the T20I team.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“It’s practically impossible to have three different captains for the three formats in terms of planning and consistency. At some stage, you also have to look ahead to the next World Cup,” Agarkar said.
The former fast bowler further explained that India are unlikely to play many ODIs in the next two years, making it important to give Gill time to grow into the role if he is to lead at the 2027 World Cup.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“One-day cricket is the format played the least, which means there aren’t many opportunities to give the next captain time to prepare. We are two years away from the World Cup – that might seem like a long time, but the number of ODIs between now and then will be limited. You might get a few closer to the tournament, but the schedule is uncertain. For instance, the last ODI we played was in March, and the next one isn’t until October 19. That shows the challenge we face with one-day cricket at the moment.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“Yes, the immediate focus has been on the T20 World Cup, but gradually we will shift attention to ODIs. The plan is to give the new captain as much time as possible with the games we do have. Having three different captains across formats is not only difficult for the selectors but also makes it challenging for the coach to plan effectively with three different leaders.”
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“Yes, Rohit has been communicated with,” he confirmed, though he declined to share details of how the former captain responded.
Agarkar did not shy away from acknowledging that moving past Rohit was not an easy decision. He admitted that it would have been difficult even without Rohit’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.
“Even if he had not won the Champions Trophy, this would still have been a difficult decision because of how good he has been. But sometimes you have to look ahead – at what lies ahead for the team, where you stand as a unit, and ultimately what is best for the side.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“Whether it’s now or six months later, these are the kind of calls we inevitably have to make. As I said, it’s tough. But if you are going to make such a decision, it is better to do so early, so that the new captain has enough time to settle into the role and lead in another format.”
When asked if the succession plan had been long in the making, Agarkar pointed out that Gill had already been Rohit’s deputy during the Champions Trophy. He added that Gill’s debut as Test captain during the challenging tour of England further strengthened his case.
“He has been vice-captain in one-dayers for a while now. It’s not just about the England series – that was always the plan. Whenever there’s a succession, ideally the vice-captain should take over. What he showed in England were really positive signs,” Agarkar said.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
WILL ROHIT AND KOHLI PLAY 2027 WORLD CUP?
So what does the future hold for Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, with regard to the 2027 World Cup?
Agarkar stressed that their future would depend on performances on the field, and even urged them to play domestic cricket regularly to maintain form. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, both face the challenge of ensuring adequate match practice if they wish to remain part of India’s ODI plans.
“What they have been doing for years is scoring runs, and I don’t think that will change,” Agarkar said. “They are still playing for the country, they are still leaders in the dressing room, they have scored tons of runs, and I hope they continue to do so. You don’t have to think too far ahead. This team has been picked for Australia. We need them to score runs like they have throughout their careers.
“These are two very experienced players who have been around for a long time. They might find it slightly easier now to play only one format, which also happens to be the least played. But they are the best people to answer whether that makes a difference. We will find out more when we see them in Australia. There’s no doubting their quality. Whether playing less cricket has an impact is something only they can answer – we will know once they take the field.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
“We made it clear a couple of years ago that whenever senior players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. If they are free, they should be part of domestic competitions,” he added.
What might have seemed like an inconsequential three-match rubber in Australia has now taken on considerable significance. While the selectors and management will be monitoring Rohit and Kohli’s form closely, the two veterans themselves will be determined to prove a point.
India’s Rohit Sharma to be replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain
For now, both players and selectors appear to be adopting a pragmatic approach – taking it one match and one series at a time, without planning too far ahead.
