India are set to begin a new chapter in ODIs with Shubman Gill becoming the team’s new captain. The 26-year-old has replaced Rohit Sharma, who led India for several years in the 50-over format.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the change during the announcement of India’s squad for the white-ball tour of Australia, which starts later this month. Interestingly, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are part of the ODI squad despite stepping away from other formats earlier this year.
Transition After Veteran Exits
Both Rohit and Kohli had retired from T20 Internationals in June last year. Later, during the Indian Premier League’s 18th season, they also quit Test cricket in May. Soon after, Gill was appointed India’s Test captain, marking the beginning of a new leadership era.
Now, the young opener has been handed another major responsibility — leading India in the ODI format as well.
Strong Start to Leadership Career
Gill’s promotion follows his promising start as Test captain. Earlier this year, he led India to a 2-2 draw in a five-match Test series in England. His calm leadership and consistent batting earned him praise, convincing selectors to give him charge in ODIs too.
Iyer Named Vice-Captain, Bumrah Rested
Shreyas Iyer, another contender for the captain’s role, has been appointed vice-captain of the ODI side. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the three-match series but will feature in the five-match T20I series against Australia.
Jadeja Misses Out, Young All-Rounders Get Chance
A major talking point is the absence of Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI squad. Instead, selectors have chosen Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav as the spin options.
In a significant move, Nitish Kumar Reddy has replaced the injured Hardik Pandya in both the ODI and T20I squads. Among pacers, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna will lead India’s fast-bowling attack in the 50-over format.
Complete Squads Announced
ODI Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.
T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.