Rohit Sharma Steps Down as India’s ODI Captain; Shubman Gill Takes Charge Ahead of 2027 World Cup
In a major leadership shift within Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma has stepped down as India’s One Day International (ODI) captain, with rising star Shubman Gill officially taking over the reins. The announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian limited-overs cricket.
Reason Behind the Decision
BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the move was made with a long-term vision for the 2027 ICC World Cup. The board believes Gill should be given ample time to develop as a leader and shape the team’s roadmap for the future.
“We want to give Shubman sufficient time to grow into the role before the next World Cup. Having three different captains for three formats was becoming impractical from a planning and strategy standpoint,” Agarkar said.
Gill and Iyer Form New Leadership Duo
Alongside Gill’s promotion, Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain of the ODI squad. Gill’s elevation to captaincy is being viewed not just as a reward for his consistent performances but also as a subtle message to senior players to maintain form and fitness ahead of the next global event.
Rohit Sharma’s Future in Doubt
While the BCCI has not ruled out Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 World Cup, the selection committee made it clear that future selections will depend solely on form and merit. Both Rohit and Virat Kohli have been advised to feature in domestic white-ball tournaments to stay match-ready and maintain rhythm.
Mixed Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from former players and fans alike. Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh voiced his surprise, noting Rohit’s recent success, including leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“It’s shocking to see Rohit being replaced right after a major ICC win. His leadership has been outstanding in recent years,” Harbhajan commented.
On the other hand, former opener Virender Sehwag lauded Rohit’s captaincy tenure, calling it “one of the most successful and composed leadership phases in Indian cricket history.”
As Indian cricket enters a new phase under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, all eyes will be on how the young opener balances responsibility, performance, and the pressure of expectations — as he prepares to lead India’s charge towards the 2027 World Cup.
-Ghazal Khan
