The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a major leadership change in the ODI setup, ending the captaincy era of Rohit Sharma, India’s second-most successful skipper after MS Dhoni. Young opener Shubman Gill will now lead the side in a three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.
Kaif Questions Timing of BCCI’s Decision
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif voiced his concerns in a video message, praising Rohit’s contributions while questioning the urgency of the change.
“Rohit Sharma gave India 16 years, but we couldn’t give him even one. As captain, he won 15 out of 16 ICC events, losing only the 2023 final. He retired gracefully after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, stepping aside to give new players a chance. Yet, just a year before the 2027 World Cup, we removed him,” Kaif said.
Kaif further added that while Gill is talented and capable of leading, “his time will come, but right now it was Rohit’s time.”
Rohit’s Career Transition
Rohit, who had earlier retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup triumph and from Tests during IPL 2025, now faces uncertainty over his ODI future. With Virat Kohli also retiring from Tests this year, questions linger about whether Rohit will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Finch Predicts Close India-Australia Series
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch, speaking to ICC Digital, believes the upcoming ODI series will be evenly fought but tipped his country to edge it 2-1.
“It’s always a great battle against India. With Virat back, he’ll want to prove himself, and Gill has already shown leadership in Tests and T20s. But on paper, I’d say Australia 2-1—not confidently though, because India are a fantastic side,” Finch remarked.
He also expressed support for Gill’s new role:
“Having Rohit and Kohli in the squad will be a calming factor for Gill. He can bounce ideas off them and shape the team’s direction.”
India’s Squad for the Australia ODIs
India have named a full-strength 15-member squad, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain. The series will begin in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide and Melbourne.
India ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh.
Following the ODIs, India will play a five-match T20I series, with Suryakumar Yadav set to lead after guiding India to the Asia Cup victory.