An era has come to an end in Indian cricket, as Rohit Sharma has been relieved of his duties as India's ODI captain, with the leadership role being passed on to Shubman Gill.
Gill, who was named the captain of the Indian Test side before the England tour after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the longest format, has now been appointed the ODI captain as well.
Earlier, before the Asia Cup, Gill returned to the T20I side and was appointed as the vice-captain of the side. It was a clear hint that he would eventually succeed Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper and future and become the all-format captain for India.
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Why did Shubman Gill replace Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain?
At 26, Gill took over India's Test side and had a terrific series in England both as a captain and a batter. Taking over from Rohit Sharma, Gill led India in a tough England tour, which ended on a draw (2-all).
The batter amassed 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75, including four hundred and a double-ton (269 runs), which was also the highest individual score by an Indian captain. He also impressed one and all with his leadership skills.
More: India announces ODI squad for Australia: Gill to lead as Rohit, Kohli return with Bumrah rested
"Firstly, it is practically impossible to have 3 different captains for three formats. We have to start looking at the 2027 ODI WC. It is a format that is played least now, so we don't get that many games to give the next guy to plan or prepare.
"We are still two years away, but it is a bit of a challenge with the ODIs. Our focus is on the T20 WC, but slowly, we are starting to plan for 2027," India's Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said at the press conference.
Dinesh Karthik pays heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma
Sharing his thoughts on Rohit Sharma's time as India captain, Karthik said on Instagram: "Rohit Sharma. Thank you so much. You were a phenomenal captain, tactically astute, but most importantly, very, very friendly and got along with everyone and made them feel so comfortable. But for me, the legacy that you have left as a captain is in those big moments, those big matches. You taught this current team what it takes to win.
"At times we used to take the backward step, but you said, I think we need to press forward, put more pressure on the opponent, take more risk. And you didn't leave it to anyone else. I think you started it with the bat. In the big matches, you said, I am going to go harder, and that required skill. You got it done, and you did it consistently."
MORE: Shubman Gill captaincy record in all formats listed
He added: "In the last three multinational tournaments that we have played, India has lost just one game. The 2024 T20 World Cup campaign was unbeaten. The Champions Trophy was unbeaten. In 2023, just that final. That is outstanding. And even after that you can see the aftereffects: Asia Cup unbeaten with a young team. That is what you've given this team India. You've left it in a better place than what it was when you started, and that's always a great sign of a leader."
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