Why was Rohit Sharma removed as India’s ODI captain?

Rohit Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill to allow consistent leadership across formats and to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Managing three different captains for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is was considered difficult for planning and team management.

Was Rohit Sharma informed about the captaincy change?

Yes, Rohit Sharma was kept in the loop about the decision. The selectors and chief selector Ajit Agarkar communicated the change, although his personal reaction was not publicly shared.

What does this change mean for India’s cricket team?

Shubman Gill now leads India in both Tests and ODIs, giving him more time to prepare for future tournaments. Rohit Sharma will continue to play in the ODI team as an opening batsman alongside Gill

Cricket

Why Was Rohit Sharma Removed as India ODI Captain? Reason Explained

Shubham Sangale·4 October 2025 at 11:16 pm IST

Why Was Rohit Sharma Removed as India ODI Captain? Reason Explained

Why Was Rohit Sharma Removed: India’s cricket team has a new leader for the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Shubman Gill has taken over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma. Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, said it was a “difficult” decision but important for the future of the team.

Agarkar explained that with fewer ODI matches being played, it is hard to test new leaders. India is also preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Having three different captains for Tests, ODIs, and T20s would have been very difficult for planning and team management. With Shubman Gill now leading both the Test and ODI teams, the management hopes to give him more time to prepare and plan for the future.

Why Was Rohit Sharma Removed From Captaincy

Rohit Sharma has been India’s ODI captain since December 2021. He took over from Virat Kohli and has been extremely successful. Under his leadership, India has won 42 out of 56 ODIs, giving it a win rate of 75%. They have lost only 12 matches, drawing one, and losing one.

Rohit has also performed well in major tournaments. As a full-time captain, he led India to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup and 2023 Asia Cup. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, but lost to Australia. Rohit’s last international match as captain was during the Champions Trophy in March 2025, which India won.

Ajit Agarkar stated that Rohit was informed of the change in captaincy and has been kept in the loop. He did not share details about Rohit’s reaction, but stressed that the decision was made in the best interest of the team and his future.

What This Means for India’s Team

Shubman Gill now plays a leadership role in both Tests and ODIs and is the vice-captain in T20 Internationals under Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit Sharma will still play in the ODI team and will open the innings with Gill.

Agarkar said that planning is easier when there are fewer captains. The team can now focus on preparing for the 2027 World Cup and provide Gill with enough experience to lead India in the future.

This move is being taken to ensure that India has a strong and well-rounded leader for all formats of cricket. Fans will now be eager to see how Gill manages the team and carries forward India’s winning legacy.