Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to international cricket after a long break with a three-match ODI series against Australia starting on October 19. However, following the official announcement of their return, one major question surrounded Rohit’s role would he continue as India’s ODI captain?

That question has now been answered. According to multiple Indian media outlets, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain of India, replacing Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series against Australia.

The decision was finalized by the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, during a meeting held in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Sources suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken this step with a long-term vision grooming Shubman Gill as India’s leader ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The move reportedly came after detailed discussions between head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI secretary Debjit Saikia.

India’s New ODI Captain: Shubman Gill

At just 26 years old, Shubman Gill has already made a remarkable impact on Indian cricket. He now holds the dual responsibility of being India’s Test and ODI captain, while also serving as the vice-captain of the T20I squad. Shubman Gill first led the national team in the Test series against England following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, where he emerged as the top run-scorer of the series.

Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has had a highly successful run as India’s ODI skipper since taking over full-time duties in December 2021. Under his leadership, India played 56 ODIs, winning 42 of them. He guided the team to victory in the 2023 Asia Cup and Champions Trophy, and also led India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished as runners-up.