The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a significant leadership turnover in its ODI establishment. Shubman Gill, India’s current Test captain and T20I vice-captain, is expected to become the new ODI captain, succeeding experienced Rohit Sharma. The 26-year-old will captain the squad in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which begins October 19. The tour also marks Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to international cricket after a seven-month absence.
Rohit has been captain of India’s ODI team since December 2021. During his time as full-time captain, the 38-year-old led India in 56 ODIs, winning 42 and losing only 12. His captaincy achieved significant milestones, including the 2018 Asia Cup as stand-in captain, the 2023 Asia Cup as full-time captain, and, most recently, the 2025 Champions Trophy, in which India defeated New Zealand in Dubai. Under his leadership, India advanced to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
However, according to an report, the selectors are looking towards the long-term future; the responsibility has now been passed to Shubman 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.
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