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Shubman Gill replaces Rohit as captain: 3 biggest takeaways from IND squad for AUS ODIs

Sakshi Sharma

Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP) Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj (Source: AFP)

In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as the new captain of the India's ODI team. He has replaced Rohit Sharma. India will tour Australia for eight white-ball matches, including three ODIs starting October 19, followed by two more games on October 23 and 25. 

The T20I series will commence on October 29 and run until November 8. Having said this, in this article, let's take a look at key takeaways from the India's ODI squad announcement.

1. Shubman Gill: The new ODI Captain

  • The most important and talked-about development from the BCCI’s squad announcement was the captaincy change. Rohit Sharma has been removed as the ODI captain, and the star player has made way for Shubman Gill.
  • One of the prime reasons for this shift is that the Indian team and the BCCI selectors are opting for the policy of having one captain across all formats. With Gill already serving as the Test captain and recently appointed as the T20I vice-captain, the ace batter will now serve as the ODI captain.

Why BCCI selected Gill over Shreyas Iyer?

Another point here is why BCCI opted Gill over Shreyas Iyer? The decision to appoint Gill instead of Shreyas Iyer as captain is strategic. India is keen to have one leader across all three formats to ensure consistency.

Gill’s growing reputation, both on and off the field, as a calm and composed leader, adds weight to this decision.

2. Axar Patel preferred over Ravindra Jadeja

  • Another significant decision was Axar Patel's selection over Ravindra Jadeja in the squad. Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, clarified that while Jadeja remains in India’s plans, only one left-arm spinner could be selected for this tour, and Axar Patel was preferred due to his batting flexibility and overall fitness.
  • Age and fitness concerns around Jadeja, especially with the 2027 World Cup in sight, seems to have played a role in this decision. Axar’s ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball provides India with a more versatile option in the middle order.
Player Name
Runs/ SR
Wickets/Economy
Ravindra Jadeja2806/85.44231/4.85
Axar Patel783/91.4772/4.49

(Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel Stats In ODIs)

3. Mohammed Siraj returns to ODI Squad

  • With Jasprit Bumrah rested for the ODI leg of the tour, speedster Mohammed Siraj marked his return to the 50-over set-up after missing out on the Champions Trophy.
Player Name
Matches Played
Wickets
Economy
Mohammed Siraj44715.18
  • As Bumrah is rested, India wanted an experienced pacer in the Australian conditions, so they have looked at Mohammed Siraj.
  • On the other hand, Siraj has also performed well in the England Test earlier this year. The 31-year-old was the highest wicket-taker the with 23 wickets. And in the recently concluded 1st Test match against the West Indies, Siraj has shown his performance again, taking seven wickets. So with stats also backing him and recent performance by his side, this Australia tour could be a gate opener for his redemption in the ODI format.

India’s ODI squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), 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.