Contrary to swirling rumors about Shreyas Iyer being the successor to Rohit Sharma in the 50-over format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) busted the myth that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) leader is not in contention to be the next ODI skipper. Over the past few days, there were several reports that also stated that Rohit will possibly play his last ODI series against Australia.
Another angle that gained enough traction was who will be the next ODI captain ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027 event. Shreyas, who was snubbed for the Asia Cup, suddenly was trending on social media that he is set to be the next ODI leader, due to growing stature as the skipper while captaining Mumbai, KKR, and PBKS, and having a supreme record at it as well. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia busted the myth and dismissed all claims about Shreyas getting ODI captaincy.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Saikia stated, “That’s news to me. There have been no such discussions.”
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Rohit Sharma, who will be 40 by the time the ODI WC 2027 be played, might or might not play till that time. However, the 38-year-old is tight-lipped about his ODI retirement, as he is steadfast in his desire to win the ODI WC - which he does not boast in his glittering CV. The BCCI is not sure whether they want the veteran to lead the side for the global event, considering he has already retired from the other two formats.
The Agarkar-led selection panel will probably groom a young leader and give him sufficient time to ease into the role before the ODI WC. Also, a few young players might also get a longer rope to establish themselves in the 50-over format.
Shubman Gill in contention to be Rohit Sharma's successor
Shubman Gill, who is the Test leader & also now the vice-captain in T20Is, is in contention to be the next ODI captain. The right-hand batter, who proved himself as the leader in his debut captaincy assignment against England, commands massive respect from his teammates and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The Test skipper has also established himself as an ODI player, averaging over 55 in the format as an opener.
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Gambhir is also very clear on a player taking ownership in all formats, rather than having split captaincy. At this time, Gill is the front runner to be Rohit's successor. A source stated to HT that the youngster would be a natural choice for the 50-over leadership.
“He averages 59 in ODI cricket and is already the vice-captain of the team. There is no way someone who has recently been appointed Test captain, found some success, and has age on his side should not take over leadership in ODI cricket, when the time comes,” stated the source.
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What will also go against Shreyas Iyer is his age, which is 30 plus. Gill is five years junior to him and is currently an established player in all formats of the game. Iyer is not even a certain starter in two formats - Test & T20Is. Whoever is chosen as a leader, it remains to be seen whether the Board allows Rohit to lead the team against Australia.
