"Rohit Sharma was unpacked as captain"- Matthew Hayden surprised by ICC Champions Trophy winning captain getting sacked

Shubman Gill has replaced Rohit Sharma as ODI captain ahead of India’s tour of Australia 2025.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma being replaced by Shubman Gill as ODI captain of Indian Cricket Team. Hayden was surprised with the development, especially with Rohit leading the Men in Blue to ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win earlier this year.

Ahead of India’s tour of Australia 2025, Gill was appointed as the new ODI captain, taking the reins from Rohit. The decision was taken, keeping in mind the future of Indian cricket.

Gill, who is already the test captain, will captain the ODI team for first time in the three-match series against Australia. The opening match will be played on October 19 at Perth Cricket Stadium in Perth. Players of both teams are currently training in Perth to prepare for the first clash.

I was kind of surprised: Matthew Hayden on Rohit Sharma being replaced as ODI captain

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch event of Test Twenty tournament, Australian batting legend Hayden said he was surprised to know that Sharma was replaced by Gill as India’s new ODI captain. He also believes that Rohit and Virat Kohli will be like mentors in the ODI team.

“Look, more than likely. But they’re going to have their mind’s eye on the 2027 World Cup. And so they should. I was kind of surprised, actually, that after the Champions Trophy, Rohit was unpacked as captain. But I also get it. Shubman Gill is being groomed. It takes time to build a leader,” he said.

“Having Rohit in the house, having Virat in the house, that’s gold. They’re not just players; they’re mentors in the dugout. I hope it’s not their last [tour], but you can’t play forever, unfortunately,” he added.

Notably, both Rohit and Kohli are also part of the India squad that will clash with Australia in the ODI series. Both batting legends have returned to the national team after a long gap, having last played in March during ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The duo announced their retirement from test cricket earlier this year and bid farewell to T20I cricket last year. Hence, they are only active in the 50-over format, and their next focus will be playing for India in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

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