Rohit Sharma Or Shubman Gill: Who Should Lead India In 2027 ODI World Cup?

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill [Source: ICC and @AhmedGT_/X.com]Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill [Source: ICC and @AhmedGT_/X.com]

Team India is going through a period of change. While the Test squad is clearly in a transition phase, the ODI team is also facing a key question, who should captain India at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa?

Two big names are in focus: Rohit Sharma, the experienced warhorse and current ODI skipper, and Shubman Gill, the rising star already being groomed for leadership and if reports are to be believed he might replace the current ODI captain. So, let’s break this down in simple terms.

Rohit Sharma, The Trusted Leader With A Proven Track Record

Rohit Sharma may have stepped away from Test and T20 cricket, but he remains the heart of India’s ODI team. His record as captain is nothing short of remarkable:

  • 56 ODIs as captain
  • 42 wins, only 12 losses
  • Win percentage: 75%

That’s a better success rate than most international captains. Under Rohit’s leadership, India has thrived in major ICC events. In fact, India won 23 out of 24 matches in the last ICC tournaments under his captaincy, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

He’s not just leading, he’s performing too:

Rohit’s ODI Batting Stats (Recent Years)

Year
Matches
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
100s
50s
202327125552.29117.0729
2024315752.33141.4402
2025830237.75108.2411

In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit scored 597 runs with a strike rate of 125.94, leading from the front.

He was also the top Indian scorer in the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping India beat South Africa in the final and lift the trophy. His captaincy in the 2025 Champions Trophy win over New Zealand further cemented his legacy.

So, the question is: Why change what’s already working so well?

If you look at Rohit’s performance in 2025, there’s been a noticeable dip compared to the last two years. He played 8 matches and scored 302 runs at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of 108.24.  These numbers, while still decent, might raise some concerns about his current form. 

That said, it’s likely the BCCI will give the legend time and space to bounce back, considering his track record and experience.

Shubman Gill: The Future Face Of Indian Cricket?

On the other side, we have India star Shubman Gill, young, talented, and already being tested as a captain in Test cricket. Many insiders believe Gill is next in line for the ODI captaincy, and he might even lead the team in an upcoming ODI series in October against Australia. 

Inns
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100s
50s
55277520859.0499.56815

These aren’t just promising, they’re elite. Gill has shown he can score runs consistently, adapt to pressure, and play match-winning knocks. He was also a part of the winning squad in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

He’s still young, hungry, and has time on his side. With Rohit turning 40 in 2027, many feel that a transition might be needed soon, and Gill could be the right man to take over the reins.

Meanwhile, if you see India also has emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in phenomenal form. The selectors might have a tough call, whether to wait and gradually bring new players in, or start the transition sooner and build a new core under a young captain like Gill.

So, Who Should Lead In 2027?

If you go by, experience and stability, Rohit Sharma is the clear choice. He’s already won multiple ICC titles, knows how to handle big moments and still performs with the bat. Giving him one last shot at the ODI World Cup he’s never won could be the perfect ending to a legendary career.

But if you look toward the future, Shubman Gill has all the signs of a long-term leader. He’s already leading the Test side, has shown maturity beyond his years, and could take Indian cricket into a new era.

Whatever choice BCCI makes, India seem to be in safe hands.