Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain ahead of a three-match series against Australia on October 19. The 26-year-old had taken over as India’s Test captain earlier this year, replacing Rohit. Shubman will now lead the Men in Blue in Tests and One-Day Internationals, while serving as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in Twenty20 cricket.
Ajit Agarkar, chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated that Shubman was named ODI captain since it was “practically impossible” to have three distinct leaders across forms.
Some supporters were angry that Rohit was removed of his leadership despite leading India to the Champions Trophy in March. While the senior hitter was demoted, he was retained as a specialist batter for the Australia tour, along with his long-time friend Virat Kohli.
Rohit Sharma went to ‘X’ following the BCCI’s captaincy announcement, wishing his successor the best of luck in the coveted post.
“End of an era (45) and the start of a new one (77),” the 38-year-old T20 World Cup-winning captain wrote on X. For the unversed, Rohit wears jersey No. 45, while Shubman sports 77.
Rohit’s former India teammates, including Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, and Praveen Kumar, responded to the message, congratulating him.
Shubman was appointed captain, and Shreyas Iyer was named vice-captain. Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel are the squad’s designated wicketkeepers, with no place for Rishabh Pant or Sanju Samson. Pants, on the other hand, may not be ready for the tour on time.
While Rohit is set to open the batting with Shubman, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been named as the backup opener, will be breathing down the former’s neck. In the bowling department, Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy have been shown the door despite notable performances during the Champions Trophy. Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, lost his place in the ODI setup, and an international comeback seems difficult for the Bengal speedster.
India
