BCCI secretary refutes rumours of Shreyas Iyer replacing Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain

Some reports suggested that Shreyas Iyer will succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has refuted rumours of Shreyas Iyer taking over ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma in future. Recently, some reports suggested that Iyer might be promoted as India‘s new captain in 50-over cricket.

Rohit, who retired from T20Is in 2024 and test cricket earlier this year, is still India’s captain in ODI cricket. However, it is doubtful if he will hold the role till ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. Rohit is currently 38 years old and will be 40 at the time of the ODI World Cup in 2027.

In these circumstances, it will be important for the BCCI to groom a new captain who can lead the side in the ICC tournament in 2027. Shreyas Iyer, with his marvellous ODI record and success as captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), can be a promising candidate.

BCCI secretary rubbishes reports of Shreyas Iyer getting ODI captaincy

Speaking to Hindustan Times, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rubbished rumours of Iyer getting ODI captaincy from Rohit. When he was asked about such reports, he said:

“That’s news to me. There have been no such discussions.”

Moreover, a source told Hindustan Times that Shubman Gill is the front-runner to get ODI captaincy from Rohit in future he is already captain of India in the longest format of the game and vice-captain of the white-ball sides.

“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,” he said.

Gill has played 55 ODIs and scored 2775 runs at an average of 59.04, with eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. Iyer has played 70 ODIs so far, scoring 2845 runs at an average of 48.22. He has hammered five centuries and 22 fifties.

Meanwhile, Rohit will lead India in their next ODI campaign against Australia in October. India will travel to Australia for three ODIs and as many T20Is during the tour. The three ODI games will be played from October 19 to 25.

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