Shubman Gill Named India’s ODI Captain as Transition from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Begins

June 2024 marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the T20I format after winning the World Cup. Less than a year later, in May 2025, the two giants announced their retirement from Test cricket, even as the Indian Premier League (IPL) was underway and a five-match Test series against England was on the horizon.

With that announcement came one of the biggest transitions in Indian cricket history — Shubman Gill was appointed captain of the Test team. His leadership on English soil made it clear that he was being groomed as India’s next all-format leader.

Gill Steps Up in ODIs

On Saturday, the transition moved a step further. Gill was officially named captain of the Indian ODI team, a squad that still includes both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — for now.

The move was widely expected, but it stirred mixed reactions among fans. Many viewed Gill’s promotion as a natural succession, while others were disappointed that it came at a time when Rohit was still active in the ODI side.

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Agarkar Explains the Call

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the media in Ahmedabad, calling this an important moment in India’s ODI cricket journey. He explained that having three different captains for three different formats was not practical.

“It’s practically impossible to have three different captains for three different formats. At some stage, we have to start thinking about the 2027 World Cup,” Agarkar said.

Agarkar also pointed out that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been non-committal about their participation in the 2027 World Cup, raising doubts over their long-term future in ODIs.

Management’s ‘Performance First’ Approach

The shift in leadership is also a reflection of India’s evolving selection philosophy. Since the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Rohit dropped himself for the final Test due to poor form, the management has made it clear that performance takes precedence over reputation.

This approach signals a departure from the past and highlights a stronger emphasis on current form and contribution rather than legacy.

Transition with an Eye on 2027

For India, this captaincy change is not just about Gill’s leadership but also about long-term planning for the 2027 World Cup. With senior players nearing the end of their careers, the focus has shifted toward building a core team under Gill’s captaincy, ensuring continuity across formats.

The decision represents both a bold step into the future and a delicate balancing act, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to remain part of the ODI setup — at least for the near term.

Conclusion

The appointment of Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain signals a historic moment in Indian cricket, marking the gradual phasing out of two legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With Agarkar and the selectors emphasizing the need to plan ahead, the management has chosen to prioritize India’s future in world cricket.

This move underlines a performance-driven selection policy and begins the process of preparing India for the next big challenge — the 2027 World Cup.

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