Shubman Gill to Captain India in ODIs as Rohit Sharma Steps Down; Veteran Duo Returns for Australia Series

In a major leadership transition that has sent ripples across Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been officially named India's new One-Day International (ODI) captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of the three-match series against Australia this October[2][3]. The decision, announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, October 4, marks a strategic shift toward long-term planning as the team sets its sights on the 2027 Cricket World Cup[2].

Rohit Sharma, who took charge as full-time ODI captain in 2021, ends his tenure after leading India in 56 matches, winning 46 of them—a record that underscores his impactful leadership, including recent triumphs in the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025[2]. Despite these achievements, selectors opted for a gradual generational shift, handing the baton to Gill, who has already led India in Tests and was the highest run-scorer in the recent ICC World Test Championship series against England[3].

The 15-member squad for the Australia ODI series—to be played in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne from October 19 to 25—also witnesses the return of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have not featured in international cricket since the Champions Trophy earlier this year[1][3]. Both veterans were rested after announcing their retirements from T20I and Test cricket in the past 12 months, but their inclusion signals a blend of experience and youth as India rebuilds for the next ODI World Cup cycle[3].

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, underlining the selectors' faith in a new leadership core[1][2]. The squad further includes emerging talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for workload management[1].

The BCCI's decision to appoint Gill as ODI skipper has been framed as being in the