Rohit Sharma's tenure as India's ODI captain has come to an end, with Shubman Gill appointed as the new skipper ahead of the Australia tour. This decision, revealed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday, October 4, 2025, signals a strategic shift towards long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain in the squad, their future now depends on their performance, fitness, and dedication to domestic cricket.
Rohit Sharma's leadership was marked by a blend of tactical acumen, aggressive strategies, and a friendly approach, fostering a comfortable environment within the team. Under his captaincy, India won 42 out of 56 ODIs, achieving a winning percentage of 76. His tenure saw India lift two ICC trophies in 2024 – the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy – and finish as runner-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He also led India to Asia Cup titles in 2018 and 2023.
Dinesh Karthik lauded Rohit's aggressive leadership and tactical brilliance. Karthik emphasized Rohit’s role in nurturing young talent and fostering a resilient team. He noted that Rohit led from the front, particularly in high-pressure games, instilling a winning mentality within the team.
Despite not having played competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 in June, Rohit was expected to lead the ODI side in the short three-match series in Australia in October. However, the selectors opted for Shubman Gill, who had already taken over the Test captaincy. Shreyas Iyer has been named as Gill's deputy. The selection panel, along with the team management and the BCCI, decided to give Gill two years to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit, who is now 38, will be 40 by the time of the World Cup.
Agarkar acknowledged that moving on from Rohit was a difficult decision, especially after his achievements. He stated that the decision was made to give the new captain enough time to prove himself. Agarkar declined to reveal Rohit's reaction to the decision but confirmed that it was communicated to him. Harbhajan Singh expressed his surprise at the decision, considering Rohit's recent success in the Champions Trophy. He believes that Rohit should have been given another chance, while Parthiv Patel called the decision to elevate Gill a "progressive call".
Rohit's emphasis on contemporary strike rates and game-changing batting transformed India into a dominant white-ball force. Just as Rohit handed over the Test captaincy to Shubman Gill, the same has happened in ODIs. Gill inherits a robust team, preconditioned under Rohit's command. Gill, at 26, has time to develop his leadership style and team approach.
Rohit Sharma's legacy extends beyond statistics and victories. He leaves behind a team with a contemporary approach. His contributions to Indian cricket, both as a captain and a batsman, will be remembered for years to come. Fans await Rohit's return to the screens in the Australian series.
