Newly appointed India ODI captain Shubman Gill opened up about veteran batter Rohit Sharma’s removal as skipper for the three-match ODI series against Australia. Gill revealed that he was informed about his appointment before the official announcement, which came after the first Test against the West Indies.
Gill is currently leading the national cricket team in the two-match Test series against the West Indies. The Men in Blue secured an innings and 140-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill’s team will play the final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from Friday, October 10.
Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma as ODI Captain
Shubman Gill has taken over from Rohit Sharma as India’s new ODI captain and will begin his tenure with the three-match series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth. Gill will serve as Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in T20Is during the same tour.
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The 26-year-old, who has already showcased his leadership skills with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, now faces his first major challenge in the 50-over format.
Gill was promoted to ODI captain following a successful stint as Test skipper, where he led India to a 2-2 draw in England. He will aim to blend youth with experience and lay the foundation for the 2027 ODI World Cup campaign. The Men in Blue last lifted the ODI World Cup in 2011 under MS Dhoni.
I Got to Know About It a Bit Earlier – Shubman Gill
During his first press conference after being appointed as India’s new ODI captain, Shubman Gill expressed pride in leading the national team. He revealed that although the announcement was made after the first Test against the West Indies, he had been informed about his appointment earlier.
“It was announced after first Test against West Indies but I got to know about it a bit earlier. It’s an honour to lead India,” Gill told the reporters in Delhi on Thursday.
It was announced after first Test against West Indies but I got to know about it a bit earlier. It’s an honour to lead India: Shubman Gill on being made ODI captain. pic.twitter.com/81aFQ2LYEg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2025
Gill admitted that meeting his own expectations is a challenge, but added that he wants to represent India in all formats and help the team win major ICC titles.
“To keep up with my own expectations becomes a challenge. I want to play across all formats, win ICC trophies,” Gill added.
To keep up with my own expectations becomes a challenge. I want to play across all formats, win ICC trophies: Gill pic.twitter.com/QAt7q24Aff
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 9, 2025
Why Was Rohit Replaced as ODI Captain?
The men’s selection committee made a bold move by replacing Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain despite his stellar record in ICC events and bilateral series. India played attacking cricket under Rohit and won the 2025 Champions Trophy unbeaten. The team also reached the 2023 World Cup final.
Gautam Gambhir’s team management and the BCCI’s long-term vision aim to give Shubman Gill sufficient time to build the squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Rohit would be 40 by then, sparking talk of a possible farewell phase for him.
However, Gill dismissed such rumours, adding that Rohit and Virat Kohli would remain integral to India’s plans. The team would mix youthful leadership with veteran experience toward the next World Cup cycle.
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