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Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy debrief: A legacy of calm, class, and change

Prachi Rajan

Shubman Gill replaces Rohit Sharma as ODI captain (Source: AFP)Shubman Gill replaces Rohit Sharma as ODI captain (Source: AFP)

The Indian cricket team's ODI captaincy change came as a shock to everyone. Who would have predicted that, despite making the Men in Blue the second most dominant ODI team, Rohit Sharma would be suddenly removed from the leadership role? But it is the reality and likely necessary at this point. 

With the ODI World Cup scheduled to be played in two years, some might argue that Rohit Sharma's removal as Indian cricket captain wasn't needed. For the selectors, it would have been easy to sit in the background and let Sharma lead until he himself announces ODI retirement. However, in that case, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee would not have been doing what they were appointed for. 

As the 26-year-old Shubman Gill prepares to take on the new role as the ODI captain, replacing Rohit, ahead of the Australia series. Let's debrief Rohit Sharma's ODI captaincy career. 

Sudden yet effective shift from Virat to Rohit 

Former India captain Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of the greatest opening batters of all time and one of the top batsmen of his generation. However, what is often overlooked is his role as the captain of the Indian team. 

After Virat Kohli took over the Indian captaincy in 2017, although, his numbers were impressive, yet India never won an ICC title under his leadership. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue reached the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, the semis of the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and the final of the 2021 ICC World Test Championship. However, couldn't win a title. 

The BCCI, realising the need for a change, believed in Rohit Sharma, handing over the national captaincy to the batter. This came as Sharma had already become a 5-times IPL-winning captain. Rising from the suburbs of Mumbai to becoming one of the most successful white ball cricketers and captains wasn't an easy road. 

Rohit Sharma ODI Captaincy: When the 'Shana' leads the team, you sit back and enjoy! 

Although it may seem like Rohit Sharma has been the Indian leader for years, he has actually only been in the role since early 2022. We clearly do not need to talk about his numbers as the Indian captain. With two ICC trophies under his belt, Sharma is most definitely the second most successful captain for India. 

  • Highest win percentage (77.27) as India captain. 
  • Second most ICC titles, Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 
  • Fourth highest batting average leading the national side in world (52.2 runs). 
  • Lost only one out of the 23 ICC tournament matches. 
  • Runners up in ODI World Cup 2023 at home. 

Notably, the pivotal moment came in 2022, after India's tame T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to England. Rohit acknowledged that a fear of failure was holding the batters back. India huffed and puffed to 168 for 8; England chased it down in 16 overs without losing a wicket.

Talking about what changed under his leadership is the all-or-nothing intent that has allowed the rest of the batting line-up to stalk its prey before pouncing. Whoever opened the innings with the mega star, surely, never ever felt the scoreboard pressure. This same mindset was also reflected in the dressing room, where camaraderie and sameness prevailed. 

Speaking about him as a captain, young guns like Shreyas Iyer often revealed his chilled-out nature. "For India, we play under a captain who keeps talking about fearless intent, not about personal milestones," Iyer remarked in an interview during an IPL match.

After captaincy snub, ODI retirement not too far? 

Now that the Indian cricket team is on the verge of witnessing the end of an era, with Rohit being 38 years old, and the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives, he will turn 40. No doubt, his ability to dominate as the Hitman is beyond question; there is no guarantee that touch and form will remain constant. For some, 2 years may be too far, and for others, it may not be too far. India will only play a handful of ODIs, preparing for the next ICC ODI challenge.

Moreover, any Head Coach preparing for the upcoming ICC tournaments would prefer players with young blood, who could serve the nation for longer. On top of that, India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has shown the exit door to anyone who doesn't fit in the team's scheme of things, regardless of their stature.

Hence, Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement is an inevitable prospect, with no one denying the fact! And honestly speaking, even a hardcore Rohit Sharma fan would want him to hang up his boots gracefully, before a youngster unexpectedly replaces him in the next series. 

What are people saying...

Cricket and cinema are the most talked-about topics in India. And now, with the Indian Cricket Team, going through the biggest transition of the decade, fans and pseudo cricket pundits have things to say. Let's take a look at what netizens have to express on the same: 

(Source: r/MumbaiIndians comment section)(Source: r/MumbaiIndians comment section)

"It’s confirmed by Agarkar ig but wtf Rohit is a great white ball captain he literally just won a trophy,"  writes 'Ravilawliet'. 

"This is just my opinion, but I think this is more of a BCCI and selectors thing than a GG thing. They want their starboy to turn into an all format cashcow like 2015-2019 Rohit Kohli, except an obedient version who bends to their will", said Reddit user, 'Shahipaneer3'

Another user, 'Left_Bee5657', comments, "Rohit bhai 2027 wc nhi khel skta age to dhek yar 2026 hota to whi khelta. Baat to samaj m koi htana thodi chahrha pr wo inke scheme of things me h hi nhi 2 saal pde h abhi world cup ko." 

Some seem fazed by the captaincy shift, while some think it is time now that a youngster takes up the role, considering Rohit Sharma's age. But one thing is clear: the transition was assured. Some could argue that it is too soon, but they can't deny that it was unavoidable.