Shubman Gill’s impressive start as Test captain has got fans and experts talking, with many wondering if he could be India’s next ODI skipper too. A few journalists shared posts speculating about the 25-year-old taking over from Rohit Sharma, and that’s all it took to get both players trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram since Thursday, July 10.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Captaincy Future in Doubt
According to Sports Tak, Gill is set to lead India in the 2027 ODI World Cup and could be handed the captaincy sooner rather than later. However, it’s still unclear how long Rohit Sharma will continue in the role. Other reports suggest Gill might be named captain for India’s next ODI series, which is scheduled for October when the team travels to Australia for three matches.
The buzz around Shubman Gill possibly becoming India’s next ODI captain is picking up now, but it actually started back in December 2024. That’s when Rohit Sharma dropped himself from the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which turned out to be his final match as India’s Test skipper.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Eye One Last World Cup
Since then, Rohit Sharma has led India in the 2025 Champions Trophy and made it clear he still wants to play ODIs and Tests, even though he retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Just before the Test squad for the England series was about to be announced, reports came out saying the BCCI selectors had decided to move on from him as Test captain. Soon after, Rohit confirmed his retirement from the format.
It’s believed Rohit Sharma is now focused on staying fit and making it to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. He’s looking to make up for the heartbreak of 2023, when India lost the final in Ahmedabad. His long-time teammate Virat Kohli, who has also retired from Tests and T20Is, shares the same goal of playing the 2027 World Cup.
Their return to international cricket has been delayed. India’s tour of Bangladesh, which was originally scheduled for August, has been put on hold. There are whispers that the BCCI might try to arrange a tour of Sri Lanka instead, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Gill Impresses with Leadership in England Series
As for Gill, he made his mark in ODIs before shining in Tests, delivering consistent performances as an opener in 2023 and 2024. His captaincy during the ongoing England series has impressed many with smart bowling changes, confident leadership, and clear communication with his teammates.
Another name being considered for the ODI captaincy is Shreyas Iyer. He plays a key role at number four and is highly rated as a white-ball leader, especially after proving himself as a successful IPL captain.
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