Rohit Sharma to Lose ODI Captaincy, Shreyas Iyer Frontrunner for Job
BCCI may hand Shreyas Iyer the ODI captaincy as Rohit Sharma’s future remains uncertain. Reports suggest Iyer could lead as early as the Australia series in October 2025.
Amid the ongoing debate over Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, a fresh report suggests that the middle-order batter is being considered as the successor to Rohit Sharma in ODIs.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee recently announced India’s 15-man squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE, with Suryakumar Yadav named captain and Shubman Gill vice-captain. While Iyer did not make the cut, Dainik Jagran reports that BCCI has long-term plans for him in 50-over cricket.
Discussions are reportedly underway within the board over the future of Indian leadership across formats. With Gill already leading the Test side and in contention for T20I captaincy, the BCCI is not keen on burdening one player with all three formats.
Shreyas Iyer could take over as ODI captain as early as the Australia series in October, but the move hinges on Rohit Sharma’s future. Rohit, now 38, will be asked about his plans after the Asia Cup. If he steps away from ODIs, Iyer is the frontrunner to lead India in the format, possibly until the 2027 World Cup in Africa.
India have a packed calendar, with Gill set to lead the Test side against West Indies in October before the white-ball series in Australia and a home series against South Africa. Given the workload, Gill may not feature in every ODI, opening the door for Iyer’s elevation.
A final decision on the ODI captaincy is expected after the Asia Cup, with BCCI looking to balance leadership duties across formats.
