The BCCI’s announcement on Saturday that Shubman Gill will captain India in ODIs was hardly a surprise. As The Times of India reported, this was always a question of “when, not why.” The selectors’ conviction was sealed during the five-Test series in England earlier this year, when Gill’s leadership not only steadied India but also earned the trust of the dressing room. The comeback at The Oval, which drew the series 2-2, all but confirmed what had long been expected. Gill was earmarked as the face of Indian cricket.
Why selectors moved beyond Rohit Sharma
The decision, however, isn’t just about the prospect that Gill has to offer. It’s equally about Rohit Sharma’s reality. TOI highlighted how informal discussions about India’s 2027 World Cup roadmap had already begun, and the dilemma was how to manage Rohit’s ODI captaincy.
At 38, playing just one format, Rohit lacked the rhythm of continuous game time. Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, admitted as much at the squad announcement, hinting that without regular cricket, even the best struggle to stay sharp. Meanwhile, Rohit last featured for India at the ICC Champions Trophy but he faltered big time in the IPL 2025. While he picked up in the second half of the season, his reaction time looked slow and he also played majorly as an ‘Impact Sub.’
Rohit, to his credit, passed fitness tests, got himself in shape, and never stepped away from responsibility. Apparently, he has shed almost 10 kilograms in his off season which is a commendable job and shows his eagerness to prove himself even after doing so much for the country.
But the selectors felt two years was too long to gamble on a player who would be 40 by the time India lands in South Africa for the next ODI World Cup. Gill, already groomed as vice-captain and later elevated to Test skipper after Rohit’s retirement from the format in May, was the natural successor. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, has been chosen as Gill’s deputy.
Rohit’s golden ODI era
What makes this transition bittersweet is the weight of Rohit Sharma’s achievements. From December 2021 to March 2025, India experienced its most successful period of ODI cricket in the modern era. He became the only captain in history to lead a team in all ICC finals across formats: the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup in 2023, the T20 World Cup in 2024, and the Champions Trophy in 2025.
India’s 2023 World Cup campaign under him was a juggernaut, where India had ten straight wins, dazzling batting displays, outstanding bowling before the heartbreak of losing the final to Australia. Even there, India were in a game early on before Travis Head turned the tables single-handedly. That loss might have defined another captain’s legacy, but Rohit and his team refused to let it. Two years later, India went unbeaten through the Champions Trophy and finally lifted the silverware that had eluded them for over a decade. India went unbeaten at T20 World Cup 2024 and also at the Champions Trophy.
While Dhoni gave India its golden age, Rohit delivered a second wind, matching him in trophies and surpassing him in win percentages. No Indian ODI captain leaves behind a better record. Even as a batter, Rohit molded his game according to the team. A few years ago, Rohit used to play long innings, taking time initially before accumulating. However, now, the Hitman plays a certain brand of cricket. He starts dominating from the word-go which makes life much easier for the rest of the batting lineup including Virat Kohli and Iyer.
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