Mumbai: A major development has surfaced just ahead of India’s squad announcement for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Reports suggest that star opener Shubman Gill may be handed the reins of captaincy, replacing Rohit Sharma in a surprise leadership shift.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors, who met on Saturday, are said to have deliberated on the long-term roadmap for Indian cricket. While Rohit Sharma was expected to return to the ODI fold, insiders indicate that the management is keen to groom Gill as the next all-format leader. In fact, Gill, who is already captaining the Test side, was present at the pre-selection meeting a strong signal of the board’s trust in his leadership.
The twist does not mean an immediate exit for veterans. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom last played for India in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, are likely to feature in the ODI squad against Australia. However, their role may now be more transitional, as Gill’s captaincy is seen as a bridge to India’s future team building ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Both Rohit and Kohli had stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year, paving the way for Gill to take over as captain in the red-ball format. Even before the Asia Cup, selectors had hinted at succession plans when Gill was made vice-captain and given opportunities in T20Is. The move to now elevate him in ODIs underscores BCCI’s intent to establish him as the face of Indian cricket across all formats.
With less than two years until the next Champions Trophy and just over two years until the 2027 ODI World Cup, the selectors appear to be prioritizing continuity and young leadership. Gill’s growing stature, combined with his consistent run-scoring ability, has made him the frontrunner to inherit the ODI captaincy baton.
Although no official announcement has been made, speculation is rife that Rohit Sharma’s days as ODI captain are numbered. If Gill’s appointment is confirmed, it will mark one of the biggest leadership shifts in Indian cricket since the baton passed from MS Dhoni to Virat Kohli.
For now, fans are eagerly awaiting the official team announcement to see whether this reported twist becomes reality and whether India formally begins a new era under Shubman Gill’s command.