Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a significant leadership change on Saturday, naming Shubman Gill as the new captain of the India’s One Day International (ODI) cricket team. Gill, who has already been leading the Test side, is set to captain the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19. This move marks a clear transition in Indian cricket’s leadership as the 26-year-old succeeds Rohit Sharma, who led India’s ODI side since December 2021. Rohit, alongside Virat Kohli, remains in the squad but no longer holds any leadership role, as Shreyas Iyer has been appointed the ODI vice-captain. Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, continuing only in the ODI format for now.

Strategic leadership change with world cup vision

The decision to appoint Gill as ODI captain was driven by long-term planning with an eye on the 2027 ICC World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI chief selector, confirmed that Rohit has been informed about the captaincy shift, emphasizing that the change aligns with India’s vision for sustained success in the limited-overs game. Agarkar highlighted the impracticality of having three different captains across formats, a factor that also influenced the selectors’ decision as it will aid head coach Gautam Gambhir in maintaining a streamlined leadership structure. Gill’s impressive performance in his maiden Test series as captain in England, where he amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.40, demonstrated his readiness for the role. In ODIs, Gill boasts a prolific record of 2,775 runs in 55 matches with an average close to 59, including eight centuries.

The announcement of a new deputy of ODIs with a veteran still in scheme of things for India

Meanwhile, the squad announcement brought additional noteworthy developments. Iyer’s elevation to vice-captain reflects his growing importance in the team setup, while Agarkar explained the exclusion of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI squad, citing team balance concerns specific to playing conditions in Australia. Jadeja remains relevant to India’s plans and could feature in other formats. Rohit, now stripped of captaincy but still in the squad, is preparing rigorously for the tour and remains an experienced key player for India. The cricket fraternity is watching closely as this leadership transition sets the stage for a new era, with Gill poised to lead India towards future glory.

This leadership change also signifies a generational shift in Indian cricket and a clear roadmap towards the next World Cup cycle, blending experience with fresh talent. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Gill will perform as captain against Australia, one of India’s most formidable opponents. The upcoming ODI series will be a litmus test for Gill’s captaincy and the team’s ability to acclimatize to Australian conditions while forging a new team identity under his leadership.

Also READ: BCCI unveils India’s white-ball squads for Australia tour; Shubman Gill replaces Rohit Sharma as ODI captain

Here’s how fans reacted:

🧿SHUBMAN GILL AS TEST CAPTAIN OF INDIA:

– Draw the Test series in England (2-2).
– Scored 754 runs in England.
– Won POTS in first series as Captain.
– Won POTS in England.
– Won first Test as Captain at Home.

*THIS IS CAPTAIN SHUBMAN ERA. 🔥🇮🇳* pic.twitter.com/ekXqua8GPc

— Taniya || ShubEra-77 (@taniyaaaaaa30) October 4, 2025

Rohit Sharma sacked from captaincy by BCCI 😭😭
New Captain For Australia tour – Shubman Gill
VC – Shreyas Iyer #RohitSharma #BCCI #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/q7X3yBCADH

— Yogesh Dubey (@Yogesh89) October 4, 2025

Captain of India Test Team.
– Captain of India ODI Team.
– Vice Captain of India T20 Team.

THIS IS CAPTAIN SHUBMAN GILL ERA..!!!!! 🌟
Congratulations @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/PH4VcZg8qZ

— Aamir Pashteen (@AamirPasht4) October 4, 2025

The Shubman Gill era has begun in Indian cricket 🔥#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/yUGqSnWy8V

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) October 4, 2025

Rohit Sharma’s era ended. Shubman Gill is the new ODI Captain…!

Honestly, didn’t expect Gill’s era coming so soon…! A trifle early, may be..! pic.twitter.com/q4Ild0fVIJ

— N. Vijay Kumar (@nvijaykumar12) October 4, 2025

Shubman Gill replaces Rohit Sharma
as the new Indian ODI Captain

Thank you my Captain!💙

Now it’s time for Gill to shine!🔥 pic.twitter.com/tumnU6wWMO

— Burnout_png (@sabaribalaji30) October 4, 2025

Shubman gill is the new ODI team Captain now.
Congrats to him.
May indian team progress under his captainship and bring lots of ICC cup to india. #INDvsAUS #RohitSharma #Gill pic.twitter.com/AyK6ijIWOo

— subhash chandra Yadav (@iamscy8084) October 4, 2025

There was only one player whom BCCI was thinking as next ODIs captain and it was Shubman Gill from Day 1.#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/y6LMlyGWPt

— DAVID (@1DAVID92) October 4, 2025

What has Shubman Gill achieved in captaincy to deserve the ODI captaincy over the GOAT Rohit Sharma?#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/amDdBQAqdW

— Still Learning (@Still_learner) October 4, 2025

Shreyas Iyer: I’ve led teams to IPL finals, won trophies, and delivered in crunch games.

Shubman Gill: I’ve got elite PR skills.#shreyasiyer #RohitSharma #IndAvAUS pic.twitter.com/4yw2ay0Iyl

— ChillByte (@ChillByte_7) October 4, 2025

Also READ: Fans celebrate as Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance helps India blow apart West Indies in Ahmedabad Test