Shreyas Iyer set to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI Captain, not Shubman Gill

In a significant development for Indian cricket, reports suggest that Shreyas Iyer is likely to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain. Contrary to earlier expectations that Shubman Gill might lead the side across formats, the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) is considering Iyer as the long-term leader until the 2027 World Cup.

The decision comes after Shreyas Iyer was surprisingly left out of India’s Asia Cup squad, a move that has sparked debate among fans and experts of the game. Despite this, Iyer’s recent performances, particularly in the ICC Champions Trophy, have strengthened his case and have amassed a total of 243 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries. His experience in the IPL, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to a title in 2024 and Punjab Kings to a runners-up finish in 2025, further highlights his leadership abilities.

Shreyas Iyer: The Frontrunner for ODI Captaincy

Iyer, 30, recently missed out on India’s Asia Cup T20 Squad due to the 15-player limit, but has been in strong form in the 50-over format. He was India’s top scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. Over his ODI career, Iyer has scored 2,845 runs in 70 matches at an impressive average of 48.22, including five centuries, highlighting his consistency in the middle order.

This record, combined with his recent performances, makes him a strong candidate for plans. Rohit, 38, along with Virat Kohli, has already retired from T20Is and Tests. The upcoming ODI series against Australia in October could be their last, providing an opportunity for a smooth leadership transition.

Shubman Gill, though widely expected to take an all-format leadership role, will not be considered for the ODI captaincy due to workload management. Already leading the Test team and serving as T20I vice-captain, Gill faces a busy schedule with tours against the West Indies, Australia, and South Africa. BCCI officials believe that asking him to manage ODIs in addition to these responsibilities could lead to burnout and affect his performance.

With Shreyas Iyer now in focus, the BCCI is signaling a clear plan for the post-Rohit era. The board aims to manage leadership responsibilities effectively while ensuring the team remains competitive. If Rohit steps down, Iyer could take over as early as the Australia series, positioning him as India’s long-term ODI captain leading up to the 2027 World Cup.