Indian cricket is about to see a big change. Shubman Gill, a young and talented batsman, is set to become India’s One-Day International (ODI) captain. This is not just a small update; it’s a major step in Indian cricket’s plan for the future, especially for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. This article explains when this change is happening, why Gill is the chosen one, and how this decision was made.
When Is Shubman Gill Becoming ODI Captain?
Shubman Gill is expected to take over as India’s ODI captain soon, likely after the limited-overs tour of Australia in late 2025. This series is seen as the final one for the current captain, Rohit Sharma, who has led the team with great success. After this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to hand the captaincy to Gill, giving him time to prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
Why Is Shubman Gill Being Made Captain?
The decision to make Gill the ODI captain is based on several important reasons:
1. Rohit Sharma’s Age and Limited Matches
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman,” is one of India’s greatest white-ball players. He led India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and is a batting legend. However, by the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will be 40 years old. Playing at that age in the demanding 50-over format is tough. Also, Rohit now only plays ODIs, as he has retired from Test and T20I cricket. With fewer ODI matches scheduled before 2027, it’s hard for him to stay in top form. The selectors want a younger leader who can stay active and sharp for the World Cup.
2. Gill’s Amazing Batting Record
Shubman Gill has proven himself as one of the best ODI batsmen in the world. In just 55 ODIs, he has scored 2,775 runs at an average of 59.04 and a strike rate of 99.57. He holds records like being the fastest to score 2,000 ODI runs (in 38 innings) and the youngest to score a double century in ODIs. In 2025, he scored big centuries against Bangladesh and England, showing he performs well in important matches. His strong batting makes him a natural leader who can inspire the team.
3. Leadership Experience
Gill has been carefully prepared for this role. He started leading teams early, first captaining Punjab in domestic cricket in 2019. He then became the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, handling a big team in a tough league. Internationally, he led India’s T20I team to a 4-1 series win in Zimbabwe in 2024 and was made vice-captain for the Asia Cup. He also became India’s Test captain for a tough series in England in 2025. These steps show that the BCCI has been grooming him for leadership.
4. Planning for the 2027 World Cup
The BCCI wants to give Gill enough time to settle as captain before the 2027 World Cup. By appointing him now, he can build the team, develop his leadership style, and gain experience. This avoids the mistake of changing captains too close to a big tournament, which has caused problems in the past.
How Is This Decision Being Made?
The decision to make Gill the ODI captain is part of a well-planned process by the BCCI:
1. The Selection Committee’s Role
The senior men’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has the power to choose the captain. The committee includes Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and Sridharan Sharath. They have a clear plan for the future and trust in Gill’s abilities. The team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, also joins selection meetings to ensure everyone agrees.
2. A Unified Leader for All Formats
The BCCI wants one captain for all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I. Gill is already the Test captain and T20I vice-captain. Reports say he might soon take over the T20I captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav. Having one leader brings clarity and consistency to the team.
3. Support from Cricket Experts
Many cricket experts support Gill’s rise. Former India coach Ravi Shastri and star player Virat Kohli were amazed by Gill’s talent when he was just 19. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Daryll Cullinan have praised his batting and leadership potential. While some, like Sanjay Manjrekar, pointed out small tactical mistakes in his Test captaincy, others, like Stuart Broad, say he’s still learning and has great potential.
4. No Other Contenders
Gill is seen as the clear choice for captain, with no strong competitors because other contenders are already sidelined by BCCI. This makes the transition smoother, as the team, selectors, and coaches all back him. It avoids any confusion or division in the team.
Challenges Ahead for Gill
Being India’s captain is one of the toughest jobs in cricket. Gill will face huge pressure to perform and win matches. While his batting and calm personality are strengths, he needs to improve his tactical skills, like making smart bowling changes and field placements. The BCCI believes that giving him the captaincy now will help him grow into a strong leader by 2027.
A Bright Future for Indian Cricket?
Shubman Gill’s rise to India’s ODI captaincy is a well planned, bold and smart move by the BCCI. It marks the start of a new era, with a young, talented, and well-prepared leader ready to take charge. With his amazing batting, growing leadership experience, and strong support from the cricket world, Gill is set to guide India toward success in the 2027 World Cup. The prince of Indian cricket is ready to wear the crown.
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