Shubman Gill Makes First Statement as ODI Captain, Recalls Rohit Sharma’s Dream

Rohit Sharma’s long-cherished dream of lifting the ODI World Cup for India may have finally slipped away. The veteran opener, who played a starring role in 2019 and led the team in 2023, will no longer captain the side as Shubman Gill has been named India’s new ODI skipper.

Rohit was India’s standout performer at the 2019 World Cup under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, scoring five centuries and finishing as the tournament’s top run-getter. Four years later, he came agonisingly close to fulfilling his dream as captain, only for India to fall short in the 2023 final against Australia.

Now, with the 2027 World Cup cycle beginning, the baton passes to Shubman Gill. The 24-year-old will begin his ODI captaincy journey with the three-match series against Australia starting October 19.

Shubman Gill on ODI Captaincy

“It is a big thing to lead your country in ODIs, and the side has done well. We have 20 ODIs before playing the World Cup. The players will give their best, and hopefully, we will be ready for the World Cup. That’s the ultimate dream,” Gill told BCCI.

Rohit’s record as ODI captain remains impressive with 42 wins in 75 matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title highlight his leadership.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the timing behind the leadership change. “Whether it was now or six months later, those are the calls we have to take. It is tough as far as ODIs are concerned, and if you want to make a decision, you have to make it early to allow a new guy to get the confidence of leading in another format,” he said.

While questions remain about whether Rohit will play until the next World Cup, his impact on Indian cricket is beyond doubt. For now, a new chapter begins with Shubman Gill leading India’s ODI journey toward 2027.