The announcement of India’s ODI squad to face Australia revealed the return of key players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The decision that stole the spotlight, however, was the BCCI’s choice to remove Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain. The move was implemented, the board explained, to create a calm team atmosphere ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Shubman Gill, who currently captains India in Tests, will now also lead the team in the 50-over format.
While the official explanation from the BCCI’s head of selection, Ajit Agarkar, focused on the impracticality of having different captains in different formats, a Times of India report uncovered additional factors. The report suggested that selectors were concerned about Rohit’s level of involvement in team affairs and the potential impact on the dressing room environment.
‘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,’ a BCCI source was quoted in the Times of India.
The report also highlighted the changing role of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Initially taking a less prominent role, Gambhir reportedly became more involved following consecutive 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 stated.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play under Gill’s captaincy in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Their continued presence in the format remains uncertain, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup still two years away. Gambhir and Agarkar are reportedly keen to protect the team’s preparations from any potential disruption caused by a downturn in the performance of veteran players.