Key Points:
- Shubman Gill appointed India’s new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of Australia series starting October 19
- Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirms decision taken with 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia as focus
- Harbhajan Singh says selectors prioritized long-term planning due to limited ODI matches between now and World Cup
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both included in ODI squad as batters, ensuring experience alongside new leadership
- Shreyas Iyer named vice-captain; Gill now leads India in Tests and ODIs while serving as T20I vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav
- Rohit’s stellar ODI captaincy record: 56 matches, 42 wins, 75% win rate, Champions Trophy 2025 winner
- Decision follows Gill’s impressive Test captaincy in England series, scoring 754 runs at 75.40 average
New Delhi: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has thrown his weight behind the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the ODI captain, describing it as a “forward-looking approach” aimed squarely at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking to IANS, Harbhajan explained: “The BCCI’s thinking behind this is the 2027 ODI World Cup. This decision has been taken with that tournament in mind”.
The veteran spinner acknowledged that while Rohit Sharma could have continued as captain given his exceptional record, the selectors prioritized grooming Gill for the future. Harbhajan emphasized: “Rohit Sharma could have been retained as captain. He has performed brilliantly as captain so far. He is highly respected in the dressing room and the players also respect him a lot, but the selectors have taken this decision keeping the future in mind”.
Selectors Explain “Difficult Decision”
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media in Ahmedabad on Saturday immediately after announcing the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, describing the captaincy change as a “difficult decision” but necessary for long-term planning. Agarkar clarified: “It’s practically impossible to have three different captains for three formats, just in terms of planning. Obviously, at some stage, you’ve also got to start looking at when the next World Cup is”.
He highlighted the challenge of limited ODI fixtures, noting: “It’s also a format which is played the least now. So you don’t get that many games to actually give the next captain that much time to prepare himself or plan. We are two years away still, might look like a long time, but we don’t quite know how many one-day games we might play”. The last ODI India played was on March 8 or 9 during the Champions Trophy, and the next will be on October 19 a gap of over seven months.
Gill’s Journey to Captaincy
Shubman Gill, 26, has already demonstrated leadership qualities during India’s Test series in England earlier this year, where he led the side to a 2-2 draw under immense pressure. Harbhajan praised this performance: “Gill impressed with his captaincy in the Test series against England. Under his captaincy, the series against England was drawn 2-2”. Gill finished as the highest run-scorer in that series with 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40.
According to reports, the decision to elevate Gill was not sudden but the result of months of deliberation. Informal discussions about the road to the 2027 World Cup began after India’s performance in England, with the decision makers convinced that Gill would have the armband for the multi-nation event. The Indian Express learned that Gill’s appointment came after selectors spoke to him, informing him that they wanted him to captain the side for the 2027 World Cup. Gill also attended Saturday’s selection meeting.
Speaking after his appointment, Gill expressed his pride: “It’s the biggest honour to be able to lead your country in the one-day format and to be able to lead a side that has done so well. It’s immense pride for me, and I hope I’ll be able to do great”.
Rohit’s Stellar Captaincy Legacy
Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy record stands as one of the finest in Indian cricket history. He led India in 56 matches, winning 42 and losing just 12, achieving a remarkable 75% winning percentage. Under his leadership, India won the 2023 Asia Cup, finished as runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and most recently clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 in March.
Harbhajan paid rich tribute to Rohit’s leadership: “Rohit has kept the team together. If you look at his success rate in ODIs, it’s very high. He could have remained captain, but I think this decision was made with the future in mind. I wish Rohit all the best for his future. Although he’s not the captain, he will remain respected within the team. The team will need Rohit’s leadership qualities”.
The 38-year-old will now continue as a batter alongside Virat Kohli, 36, both of whom retired from Tests in May and will represent India for the first time since the Champions Trophy. Their presence ensures experience and stability during the transition phase.
New Leadership Structure
Gill now captains India in both Tests and ODIs and serves as vice-captain in T20Is under Suryakumar Yadav. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed ODI vice-captain, taking over from Gill’s previous role. This leadership consolidation addresses what Agarkar described as the logistical challenge of planning with three different captains across formats.
When asked about potential burnout given Gill’s responsibilities across formats, Agarkar expressed confidence: “Hopefully not. Still quite young. We saw what he did in England under immense pressure. Really positive signs there. We hope there’s no burnout. As team management, we try to manage it as best as possible. You’ve also got to give the guy enough time. He’s been the vice-captain in the ODI format for a while now”.
Mixed Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
While Harbhajan supported the decision, other former cricketers expressed surprise. Mohammad Kaif criticized the move, highlighting Rohit’s impressive record including two recent ICC trophy wins and questioning the premature transition. Former coach Abhishek Nayar stressed the importance of clear communication during this transition, supporting Gill’s leadership while acknowledging Rohit’s prior aspirations for 2027.
Dinesh Karthik paid heartfelt tribute to Rohit, praising his leadership and tactical acumen: “Rohit Sharma… in those big moments, those big matches, you taught this current team what it takes to win”.
Australia Series and Road Ahead
The three-match ODI series against Australia will be Gill’s first assignment as ODI captain, scheduled for October 19-25 in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. This will be followed by a five-match T20I series. The series marks Rohit and Kohli’s return to international cricket after their Champions Trophy triumph in March.
With the 2027 World Cup still two years away, Gill will have limited opportunities to prepare given the infrequency of ODI fixtures. However, the BCCI and selectors believe this early transition provides the best chance for India to build a cohesive leadership structure for the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
