The announcement of the India squad for the ODI series against Australia marked the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, a surprising decision was the removal of Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain by the BCCI. The move was intended to maintain a harmonious team environment ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Shubman Gill, who is already the Test captain for India, will now lead the team in the 50-over format.
While BCCI head of selection Ajit Agarkar officially stated that having three different captains across formats was ‘practically impossible,’ a report in the Times of India suggested additional factors. Selectors were reportedly concerned that Rohit Sharma’s influence in team matters could disrupt the dressing room atmosphere and team dynamics.
According to a BCCI source cited in the Times of India, ‘A player of Rohit’s stature in a leadership role would have meant he would get to drive his philosophy in the dressing room. But with him playing only in ODIs, a format which is played the least, it could have disturbed the team culture.’
The report also touched upon head coach Gautam Gambhir’s evolving role, indicating that he took more control after Test series defeats. ‘Gambhir had taken a back seat in Tests and ODIs in the first six months of his assignment, but the debacles against New Zealand and Australia prompted him to take charge more firmly,’ the source added.
‘It has been a collective effort by Gambhir and Agarkar. They understand that it will be tough for both Rohit and Kohli to be at their peak after two years, given that they are in their late 30s. They didn’t want to be caught off guard if suddenly Rohit or Kohli’s form dipped. It would have created chaos in the leadership group,’ the BCCI source said.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play under Gill’s captaincy in the Australia ODIs. Their long-term prospects in the format remain uncertain, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away. Gambhir and Agarkar are reportedly keen to avoid any disruption to the team’s preparation caused by potential form fluctuations of key players.