In a surprising twist to India’s leadership transition across formats, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering Shreyas Iyer—not Shubman Gill—as the next captain of the Indian ODI team. The decision hinges on one critical condition: Rohit Sharma must officially step down from the format following the Asia Cup 2025. If he does, Iyer could be handed the reins as early as the Australia series in October, potentially leading India into the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.
This development comes amid speculation that Shubman Gill, currently India’s Test captain and vice-captain in T20Is, was being groomed as an all-format leader. However, the BCCI appears to be leaning toward a split-captaincy model to manage workload and ensure strategic continuity across formats.
🧠 Why Shreyas Iyer Over Shubman Gill?
While Gill has shown promise as a leader and batter, the BCCI is reportedly concerned about overburdening him. With a packed calendar that includes Test series against West Indies and South Africa, plus T20Is against Australia, Gill’s availability for every ODI fixture is uncertain.
Iyer, on the other hand, has proven his mettle in the 50-over format. His consistent performances, leadership experience in the IPL, and recent Champions Trophy heroics have made him a strong candidate for the ODI captaincy.
| Criteria | Shreyas Iyer | Shubman Gill |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | 25 |
| ODI Matches Played | 70 | 42 |
| ODI Batting Average | 48.22 | 39.12 |
| Centuries | 5 | 2 |
| Leadership Experience | Led Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings | Vice-captain in T20Is |
| Champions Trophy 2025 | 243 runs in 5 matches | Did not feature |
| Availability | Full ODI calendar | Test and T20I commitments |
📊 BCCI’s Leadership Strategy Across Formats
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is reportedly pushing for a multi-captain approach to avoid burnout and ensure format-specific focus. With Rohit Sharma already retired from Tests and T20Is, the ODI captaincy is the last piece of the puzzle.
| Format | Current Captain | Likely Successor | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Shubman Gill | Confirmed | Ongoing |
| T20I | Suryakumar Yadav | Gill (in pipeline) | Post Asia Cup 2025 |
| ODI | Rohit Sharma | Shreyas Iyer (if Rohit retires) | October 2025 |
The BCCI is expected to hold a meeting after the Asia Cup to finalize its roadmap, including discussions with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their future in ODIs.
🏏 Shreyas Iyer’s ODI Credentials
Iyer’s ODI record speaks volumes. With 2,845 runs in 70 matches at an average of 48.22, he has been a reliable middle-order batter. His Champions Trophy 2025 performance—scores of 15, 56, 79, 45, and 48—was instrumental in India’s title win against New Zealand.
| Tournament | Performance Summary |
|---|---|
| Champions Trophy 2025 | 243 runs in 5 matches |
| ODI Career | 2,845 runs, 5 centuries, avg 48.22 |
| IPL 2025 | Led Punjab Kings to final |
| Recent Form | Consistent across formats |
Iyer’s ability to anchor innings, rotate strike, and accelerate when needed makes him a tactical fit for the ODI format.
🧠 Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Watch
Rohit Sharma, now 38, has already stepped away from Tests and T20Is. His future in ODIs remains uncertain, but insiders suggest that the October ODI series against Australia could be his farewell tour.
| Rohit Sharma’s Status | Format | Retirement Status |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Retired | Confirmed |
| T20I | Retired | Confirmed |
| ODI | Active | Decision pending |
Should Rohit decide to retire post-Asia Cup, Iyer is expected to take over immediately, with the Australia series serving as his captaincy debut.
🔍 Why Not Gill for ODIs?
Gill’s packed schedule is a major factor. He will lead India in the two-Test series against West Indies from October 2–14, followed by a five-match T20I series against Australia starting October 18. With the South Africa tour beginning in mid-November, Gill’s availability for ODIs is limited.
| Gill’s Upcoming Schedule | Format | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies Series | Test | Oct 2–14 |
| Australia Tour | T20I | Oct 18–Nov 8 |
| South Africa Tour | Test/ODI/T20 | Nov 14 onwards |
The BCCI’s decision to not overload Gill reflects a long-term strategy to preserve player fitness and performance.
🧠 Expert Commentary
Cricket analysts have welcomed the idea of split captaincy. Former India coach Ravi Shastri said:
“Shreyas Iyer has the temperament and experience to lead India in ODIs. It’s a smart move to manage workload and build leadership depth.”
Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle added:
“Gill is a future all-format captain, but the timing must be right. Iyer’s elevation in ODIs is logical and deserved.”
📌 Conclusion
The BCCI’s preference for Shreyas Iyer as India’s next ODI captain marks a strategic shift in leadership planning. While Shubman Gill remains a key figure in Tests and T20Is, Iyer’s consistent performances and leadership experience make him the ideal candidate to guide India through the next ODI cycle.
The final decision rests on Rohit Sharma’s retirement call, expected after the Asia Cup. If he steps down, Iyer could lead India in the Australia series and potentially into the 2027 World Cup. For now, the baton is poised for a handover—and Iyer is ready to run with it.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports and cricket board updates as of August 21, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute official selection or endorsement.
