Gill Named India ODI Captain, Eyes 2027 World Cup

On Oct. 4 Indian selectors removed Rohit Sharma as ODI captain and appointed Shubman Gill to lead the 50‑over team ahead of a three‑match series in Australia scheduled for Oct. 19–25, part of a long-term plan targeting the 2027 World Cup. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said consolidating leadership — with Gill already Test captain and T20 vice‑captain — will make planning easier; Shreyas Iyer was named ODI vice‑captain and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were retained in the 15‑man squad. The panel rested Jasprit Bumrah for the ODIs and recalled Yashasvi Jaiswal. The move drew mixed reactions: veterans including Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Murali Kartik praised Rohit’s captaincy and Madan Lal called Gill’s elevation “forward‑looking,” while Harbhajan Singh and sections of fans expressed surprise and disappointment. Selectors framed the change as a generational transition to give Gill time to mature as an all‑format leader, noted this will be Gill’s first overseas captaincy challenge, and left Rohit’s longer‑term playing future open.