At 24, Shubman Gill is stepping into one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles in Indian cricket, leading the national ODI team. His appointment for the upcoming tour of Australia has sparked both excitement and curiosity. Many see it as a smart and forward-thinking decision, while others are still processing what it means for Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful white-ball captains of India.
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa, however, believes that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the right move by planning for the future rather than waiting too long.
The BCCI recently announced India’s squads for the tour of Australia, which begins on October 19. The series will feature three ODIs followed by five T20Is. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who haven’t played since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, will return to action. But in a notable shift, the ODI captaincy has been handed to Shubman Gill, with Shreyas Iyer serving as his deputy.
Discussing the change, Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube channel that it’s a practical and timely step. He mentioned that Rohit will be 41 yrs old by the next ODI World Cup and it’s wise to make leadership transitions when there is still time to build stability. Robin Uthappa emphasised that such decisions are better made in calmer situations rather than during high-pressure tournaments.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar also shared that Rohit Sharma was informed personally about the change. The decision, he said, was not about replacing Rohit suddenly but about giving the next leader enough time to settle into the role. The selectors want Shubman Gill to gain experience and confidence before the 2027 World Cup, ensuring a smoother transition.
Robin Uthappa expressed that Rohit has contributed enormously to Indian cricket and deserves respect as the team moves forward. He added that the decision also prevents any uncomfortable scenarios later in Rohit’s career, where age or fitness might become a factor. Uthappa said that as long as Rohit remains fit, there’s no question about his continued importance to the Indian side, especially alongside Virat Kohli.
He further explained that while Rohit’s form is unlikely to drop sharply, his reflexes could slow down with time since senior players tend to play less cricket between major tournaments. Uthappa pointed out that most of Rohit’s appearances going forward will likely be in the IPL, limited-overs internationals and perhaps a few domestic games.
Rohit Sharma’s record as the ODI captain speaks for itself. Since taking over in 2017, he has led India in 56 matches, winning 42 and losing just 12, with one tie and one no result. His win percentage of 75 ranks among the best in the world. Under his leadership, India claimed the Asia Cup twice, in 2018 and 2023, reached the World Cup final in 2023, and also won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. As a batsman, Rohit remained consistent, scoring nearly 2,000 runs in 45 innings at an average close to 48 and a strike rate above 116, including multiple centuries and fifties.
Now, the focus shifts to Shubman Gill. Known for his composure, elegant batting, and calm leadership style, Shubman Gill has long been seen as a natural captain in the making. He now gets the opportunity to lead India’s ODI team and guide a young, evolving squad toward the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. With roughly 20 ODIs scheduled before that tournament, he will have enough time to adapt to the pressure of captaincy and build a strong team identity.
The change in leadership marks an important moment for Indian cricket, one that respects experience while embracing renewal. As Robin Uthappa noted, it’s about finding balance, honoring what Rohit Sharma has achieved while preparing the team for the future. With Shubman Gill at the helm, Indian cricket begins a new chapter, one filled with promise, purpose, and the same hunger for excellence that has defined every great era before it.
