Shubman Gill to replace Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking for a major leadership transition in its ODI setup. Shubman Gill, currently India’s Test captain and T20I vice-captain, is set to be named the new captain of the ODI side, replacing veteran Rohit Sharma. The 26-year-old will lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19. The tour also sees the much-awaited return of Rohit and Virat Kohli to international cricket after a gap of more than seven months.

Rohit has been the captain of India’s ODI team since December 2021. In his tenure as full-time captain, the 38-year-old led India in 56 ODIs, winning 42 of them and losing just 12. His captaincy delivered several milestones, including the 2018 Asia Cup as stand-in captain, the 2023 Asia Cup as full-time skipper, and recently, the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India triumphed against New Zealand in Dubai. Under him, India also made the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

BCCI to discuss future of Rohit's ODI captaincy on October 4

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BCCI to discuss future of Rohit's ODI captaincy on October 4

However, according to an ESPN report, the selectors are looking towards the long-term future; the responsibility has now been passed to Gill. The decision is to prepare a young leader to guide India into the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Gill, who has already excelled as a Test captain with a remarkable series against England earlier this year, is seen as the natural successor. His batting numbers in ODIs include 2775 runs in 55 matches at an average of 59.04, including a double century.

India’s ODI series in Australia begins on October 19

The upcoming Australia series will also see the comeback of batting stalwarts Rohit and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win and later confirmed their Test retirements in May this year, making ODIs their only international format. Their last outing in India colours came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, putting the Australian series their first international assignment in over seven months. The selectors have shown faith in their experience, ensuring that Gill has senior support as he begins his new leadership role. 

India’s ODI series in Australia begins on October 19 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25). The ODIs will be followed by a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8, where Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain. For Rohit and Kohli, the Australia tour is the start of their farewell stretch in ODIs, with further assignments lined up against South Africa at home in November-December and New Zealand in January.