Rohit Sharma is relieved as India’s ODI captain before Australia series. Shubman Gill named new captain, Shreyas Iyer as deputy. Learn why Gill took charge.

Delhi :  When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed India’s 15-man squad for the away ODI series against Australia, Shubman Gill took Rohit Sharma’s place as the new ODI captain. Rohit, who is in the squad with another veteran, Virat Kohli, but both as players, lost the ODI reins to Gill, the current Test captain.

After leading India to a historic Champions Trophy victory in 2025 and a second-place finish in the ODI World Cup 2023, Rohit’s tenure as ODI captain comes to an end. When he replaced Kohli as captain in 2018, he also helped India win the ODI Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI continental tournament.

For what reason did Rohit lose his ODI captaincy ?

The BCCI has relieved Rohit of his captaincy in front of India’s away white-ball (ODI and T20I) series against Australia, giving Gill the reins.

It was ‘difficult’ to have three different captains leading the three forms, according to India’s head selector Ajit Agarkar, who explained the rationale behind the leadership move.

“In terms of preparation, having three distinct captains for three forms is nearly difficult. You must begin making plans. You also don’t play it as often in ODIs. The 2027 World Cup is in two years. We play fewer games now. One-day cricket presents a bit of a hurdle. The T20 World Cup has been the main emphasis. Without a doubt, we will begin preparing for the ODI World Cup. Shortly after the announcement of India’s team for the Australia series, Agarkar told reporters, “It gives the next guy enough time.”

Agarkar discusses Gill’s elevation to a leadership position.

In the meantime, the selection was questioned about whether Gill’s ascension to captain would exhaust him. “Hopefully not. He’s still a young man. We witnessed his actions under extreme circumstances in England. There are really encouraging signals. We’re hoping for no burnout. We attempt to handle it as best we can as team managers,” he stated.

Also read :  Australia Wins 2nd Unofficial ODI by 9 Wickets Despite Tilak Varma’s Efforts

Agarkar reaffirmed the need of giving Gill time to become comfortable as the team’s captain before to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Additionally, you must allow the man adequate time. For some time now, he has served as the ODI format’s deputy captain. That’s how it functions.

Rohit was notified of the leadership change in the interim. We need to give the next person adequate time because we don’t play many ODIs. It is up to Rohit and the selection committee to decide how to alter the captain,” Agarkar continued.