Changing of the Guard: Shubman Gill Named India’s New ODI Captain for Australia Tour; Rohit and Kohli Return
New Delhi: In a significant move signaling the transition of leadership in One Day International cricket, the BCCI selection committee on Saturday named young batting sensation Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain of the Indian men’s team for the upcoming tour of Australia, replacing Rohit Sharma. Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the vice-captain.
The announcement comes ahead of the three-match ODI leg of the white-ball tour, which begins on October 19 in Perth. Gill, who has been widely touted as a future all-format leader, takes the reins in the 50-over format, an elevation seen as preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
In a major boost for the squad, veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to make their return to international cricket. The superstar duo, who have retired from both Test and T20I formats, last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy final earlier this year. Their inclusion adds immense experience and star power to the squad under the new leadership.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed the decision, stressing the need for a stable, long-term leadership plan in the ODI format. While Rohit Sharma’s successful tenure as captain, including leading India to the Champions Trophy title, was acknowledged, the focus has shifted to grooming the younger generation.
India’s ODI Squad for Australia Tour: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The tour comprises three ODIs followed by a five-match T20I series, for which Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, with Shubman Gill named his deputy in the shortest format as well. Notable absentees from the ODI squad include all-rounders Hardik Pandya (injured) and Ravindra Jadeja.
