New Delhi: In a significant move signaling generational change in Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as the captain of the Indian ODI team, replacing Rohit Sharma. Alongside him, Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, a recognition many believe was long overdue.
Shreyas Iyer, who has consistently impressed with his batting prowess and leadership skills, had faced criticism earlier this year when he was excluded from the Asia Cup squad. His notable leadership of Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, guiding them to the final, underscored his capability as a leader. Now, the national selectors have acknowledged his performance by entrusting him with the vice-captaincy for the ODI series against Australia.
Iyer last represented India in the Champions Trophy, and fans and cricket analysts alike welcomed this move as a fair recognition of his contribution and talent.
The BCCI also announced the squads for both the ODI and T20 series against Australia. With Shubman Gill taking over as ODI captain, the team sees a blend of youth and experience. Due to an injury, Rishabh Pant will miss the ODIs, and Dhruv Jurel has been included as the second wicketkeeper, instead of Sanju Samson. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been drafted into the squad to replace the injured Hardik Pandya.
Indian ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (captain), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel, Yashwaswa Jaiswal.
Indian T20 Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Tilak Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson, Rinka Singh, Washington Sundar.
The decision reflects India’s strategic push towards nurturing young leaders and creating a sustainable team structure ahead of major ICC events. Shubman Gill, who has already impressed as Test captain, now shoulders the responsibility of guiding the ODI team, while Shreyas Iyer’s appointment is seen as a reward for perseverance and consistent domestic and IPL performances.
Cricket enthusiasts across the nation have lauded the move, particularly noting that the combination of Gill’s calm leadership and Iyer’s dynamic presence could provide the team with stability and flair in limited-overs cricket. Analysts suggest that this squad, with its balance of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, is well-poised to challenge Australia in the upcoming bilateral series.