Big changes are coming in Indian cricket! If reports are to be believed, Shreyas Iyer is all set to become India’s new ODI captain, taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma.
Interestingly, while many fans expected Shubman Gill to be the natural choice for the role, the BCCI has reportedly decided against handing him another captaincy responsibility.
This latest development has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts: Is Iyer the right man for the job? And why was Gill overlooked despite being one of the most promising young leaders in world cricket? Let’s break it down.
Why Shreyas Iyer Is Emerging as the Front-Runner
Shreyas Iyer has been in excellent touch in recent months, especially in the Champions Trophy 2025, where he was India’s backbone in the middle order. His composed batting and calm temperament have caught the selectors’ eyes.
- Consistency with the bat: Iyer has already scored close to 2,850 runs in ODIs, with five centuries and a superb average nearing 48.
- Knack for big matches: In pressure situations, he has delivered, whether it was the Champions Trophy final or crunch IPL games.
- Proven leadership: Not just in international cricket, Iyer has shown his captaincy skills in the IPL, guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win and earlier taking Delhi Capitals to their first-ever final.
The selectors reportedly feel that Iyer brings stability, maturity, and tactical sharpness to the team—qualities crucial for leading India into the next ODI World Cup cycle.
Why BCCI Said “No” to Shubman Gill
At first glance, Shubman Gill seemed the obvious choice. He’s young, dynamic, and already India’s Test captain and T20I vice-captain. But that’s exactly the problem.
According to insiders, the BCCI doesn’t want to overload Gill with captaincy across all three formats. Managing Tests, T20s, and ODIs simultaneously could be too much pressure, especially given India’s packed schedule over the next two years.
The board reportedly believes that allowing Gill to focus on Tests and T20Is while Iyer takes over ODIs will create a balanced leadership structure—ensuring no one player burns out.
Rohit Sharma’s Future: The Big Question
The other factor in play is Rohit Sharma’s own future in ODIs. At 38, Rohit remains one of India’s greatest-ever white-ball batters, but retirement talks have been swirling for months.
- If Rohit steps down after the Asia Cup, Iyer could take charge immediately in the upcoming Australia series.
- If Rohit chooses to continue, the leadership transition might be delayed, but the roadmap appears clear: Iyer is next in line.
The Road Ahead for Team India
This potential leadership shuffle signals the start of a new era in Indian ODI cricket. Here’s how things stand right now:
| Player | Current Role | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Current ODI Captain | Decision after Asia Cup 2025 |
| Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order mainstay | Likely next ODI Captain |
| Shubman Gill | Test Captain, T20I Vice-Captain | Kept away from ODI captaincy for now |
This split approach could actually work in India’s favour—sharing the workload while grooming multiple leaders for the future.
Rohit Sharma: The Established Leader
Rohit Sharma has long been a stalwart in ODIs:
- 273 matches, scoring a monumental 11,168 runs at an impressive average of ~48.8, including 32 centuries and 58 fifties
- Holds the record for the highest individual ODI score ever—264, and is the only player with three double-hundreds in ODIs
Shubman Gill: The Future Captain with Impressive ODI Footprint
Shubman Gill, though being passed over for captaincy, boasts striking ODI credentials:
- In around 55 ODI matches, he has already scored 2,775 runs at an exceptional average of approximately 59
- He currently holds the No. 1 spot in ICC ODI Batting Rankings
- Beyond raw stats, Gill recently crossed 6,000 international runs and was the top scorer in a Test series in England, with a staggering average of 83.78
Gill’s workload across formats, however, appears to be a key reason for the BCCI’s hesitation to hand him another captaincy mantle.
Shreyas Iyer: The Calm, Composed Leader-in-Waiting
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer continues to build a strong case as a leader:
- In 70 ODI games, Iyer has accumulated 2,845 runs at a solid average of around 48.2, with five centuries.
- His calm demeanour, strong batting consistency, and leadership in the IPL—guiding KKR to a title and Delhi Capitals to their first final—offer a compelling package
The BCCI’s decision shows a strategic shift in how India wants to manage its stars. By trusting Shreyas Iyer with the ODI captaincy, the board ensures experience, stability, and fresh ideas, while also allowing Shubman Gill to focus on formats where his leadership is already critical.
For fans, this change is exciting yet bittersweet—it marks the gradual end of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy era, while also opening the door for India’s next generation of leaders. Whether Iyer lives up to the responsibility will be one of the most fascinating storylines in Indian cricket over the next few years.
