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Shubman Gill's Ascension to ODI Captaincy

Shubman Gill is reportedly set to become the next captain of India's ODI team, with sources suggesting that the decision has been made and is awaiting an official announcement. Following his recent appointment as vice-captain for the T20I squad, speculation has intensified regarding his potential succession of Rohit Sharma in the 50-over format.

Concerns about Rohit's long-term captaincy have arisen, particularly as the upcoming limited-overs series in Australia may mark his final stint as skipper, if not his last ODI match altogether. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely eager to transition the leadership to Gill, allowing him ample time to acclimate and build a strong team.

Reports from various sports outlets indicate that Gill's elevation to captaincy is imminent, pending formal approval from the board. Although Rohit has expressed his desire to continue playing in ODIs and aims for another World Cup appearance in two years, the ultimate decision rests with the selectors. Exceptional performances during the Australian tour will be crucial for Rohit to retain his captaincy.

Adding to the complexity is the limited number of ODI matches scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, raising questions about the ability of senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, who has stepped back from T20Is and Tests, to maintain their performance levels.

Currently, Gill leads the Test team and has taken over as vice-captain in T20Is from Axar Patel. With Suryakumar Yadav approaching 34, Gill is also positioned to inherit the T20I captaincy after the 2026 T20 World Cup, making him a strong candidate for the role of captain across all formats.

The strategy of having a single captain for all formats has previously benefited India, and selectors appear inclined to revert to this approach. By the time of the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will be 40 years old, and his limited format participation may challenge his ability to maintain peak fitness and performance.