Shubman Gill to lead India in ODIs

WEB DESK: Shubman Gill has officially replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s One-Day International (ODI) captain, signaling a generational shift in Indian cricket leadership. The 26-year-old, who already leads the national Test side, will face his first major white-ball test during India’s tour of Australia later this month.

The three-match ODI series, scheduled for October 19 in Perth, October 23 in Adelaide, and October 25 in Sydney, will be followed by five T20Is running from October 29 to November 8. The squads for both formats are expected to be announced soon.

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Gill’s promotion marks the continuation of a rapid rise through the ranks. Earlier this year, in May, he succeeded Rohit Sharma as Test captain after the latter stepped away from red-ball cricket. Gill’s debut series as Test captain came against England, which ended in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

Prior to his Test appointment, his only taste of international leadership came in 2024, when he captained India in five T20Is against Zimbabwe, a temporary role during a rest phase for senior players following India’s T20 World Cup victory.

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For Gill, the Australia tour will be the first time he commands India’s full-strength ODI unit, a test of both his tactical acumen and composure under pressure. Known for his calm temperament and classical batting style, Gill’s elevation has been widely viewed as part of India’s long-term succession planning, balancing youth with the experience of a seasoned core.

Rohit Sharma exits as one of India’s most successful limited-overs captains, having led the team in 56 ODIs since taking charge in December 2021. Under his leadership, India reached two ICC finals, the 2023 ODI World Cup at home, where they lost to Australia, and the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE, which India won by defeating New Zealand. His tenure, marked by consistency and aggression, now gives way to Gill’s new chapter, one defined by renewal, continuity, and the promise of a fresh tactical outlook.