‘End of an Era’: Rohit Sharma’s 13-Year-Old Post Resurfaces as Shubman Gill Replaces Him as India’s ODI Captain
‘End of an Era’: Rohit Sharma’s 13-Year-Old Post Resurfaces as Shubman Gill Replaces Him as India’s ODI Captain
BCCI streamlines leadership across formats, marking a major generational shift in Indian cricket
In a historic transition for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, ahead of the three-match series against Australia beginning October 19. The 26-year-old will now lead India in both Tests and ODIs, while continuing as vice-captain in T20Is under Suryakumar Yadav.
The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar described the decision as part of a structural overhaul aimed at streamlining leadership across formats. “It was practically impossible to continue with three different captains. The board felt this was the right time for transition,” Agarkar said.
The move comes despite Rohit Sharma’s successful run as captain, including guiding India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year. At 38, Rohit remains part of the ODI squad as a specialist batter, alongside Virat Kohli, ensuring experience remains at the core of the new setup.
End of an era (45) and the start of a new one (77) ….. http://t.co/sJI0UIKm
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 14, 2012
Following the announcement, an old social media post by Rohit from over 13 years ago has gone viral. The post read, “End of an era (45) and the start of a new one (77),” referencing the jersey numbers of Rohit (45) and Gill (77). Fans have called it prophetic, symbolising the baton being passed from one era to the next.
Alongside Gill’s elevation, Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain of the ODI squad. KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel will share wicketkeeping responsibilities, with Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson omitted—Pant reportedly due to ongoing fitness concerns.
In a series of bold selection calls, the selectors have left out Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Mohammed Shami, signaling a generational change in the bowling unit. Shami’s exclusion, in particular, may mark the end of his ODI career.
Rohit is expected to open alongside Gill, with Yashasvi Jaiswal included as a backup opener. The three-match series will be Gill’s first assignment as ODI captain, leading a blend of seasoned stalwarts and promising newcomers.
This leadership change signifies one of the most consequential shifts in Indian cricket in recent years. With Gill now captaining across two formats, the BCCI appears focused on long-term planning while maintaining competitive balance. For fans and players alike, it marks not just a change of guard but a new chapter in Indian cricket’s evolving legacy.
