[WATCH] Rohit Sharma’s smiling reaction after ICC chair Jay Shah calls him India captain

Star Indian batter Rohit Sharma’s reaction grabbed eyeballs at a recent event after ICC chairman Jay Shah affectionately referred to him as India's captain, despite the veteran no longer holding the position. 

Rohit was replaced as India’s ODI captain by Shubman Gill ahead of the Australia tour in October 2025, as selectors began planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old now features purely as a specialist batter in the 50-over format, having already retired from Test and T20I cricket. While the leadership baton has been passed on, Rohit’s legacy as one of India’s most successful captains remains intact.

During the 'United in Triumph' event, Shah addressed Rohit as India’s captain while speaking about the team’s recent successes. The comment led to a smiling reaction from the batter. Shah stated that titles, not formal designations, define leadership, crediting Rohit for guiding India to two historic ICC triumphs.

Watch the video here:

Shah recalled India’s heartbreak at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team dominated the tournament but fell short in the final. He then spoke about how the Nagpur-born fulfilled a promise made in early 2024 by leading the Men in Blue to win both the T20 World Cup later that year and the Champions Trophy in 2025.

“Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but couldn’t lift the trophy. In February 2024, I had said in Rajkot that in the next World Cup, we will win both hearts and the cup,” Shah said at the United in Triumph event.

Notably, Rohit took over as India’s full-time ODI captain in December 2021 and led the team in 56 matches, winning 42 of them. His tenure included an Asia Cup title and a Champions Trophy victory, along with a runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup. In T20Is, he remains India’s most successful captain, with 49 wins in 62 matches and a winning percentage of over 79 percent. 

Earlier, another Rohit moment went viral from his training session. Ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, videos surfaced of him batting in Mumbai. Looking visibly leaner and sharper, the opener was seen smashing straight sixes, triggering excitement among fans.