On October 4, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) passed the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill. The latter was looked upon as the natural successor to the former, with BCCI naming him white-ball vice-captain after India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup.
ODI baton passed
The BCCI was planning for the future. The 2027 ODI World Cup was exactly two years away. Although Rohit was India’s captain when they won a second ICC trophy, the Champions Trophy, in March 2025, the board didn’t want a 40-year-old to be their captain in the ODI World Cup.
This decision set the stage for mixed reactions across the cricket community. The majority felt that the BCCI had made the right call. But not everyone agreed with the reasoning. Under Rohit, India had finally broken an ICC trophy drought. Yes, age was catching up, but he had all the success to show for it.
Why was Rohit Sharma removed as captain?
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary belongs to the second camp of thinkers. In an exclusive conversation with InsideSport, he expressed dissatisfaction about Rohit’s removal. Manoj thinks the outcome of the recently concluded New Zealand ODI series would have been different if Gill weren’t India’s captain.
“What was the need to remove Rohit Sharma from the captaincy? I’m pretty sure that if Rohit were leading even today in the ODIs, it would have been a different result (New Zealand series) altogether. Because when he won the Champions Trophy, I think the team was going forward in the right direction,” Manoj told InsideSport.
BCCI should sack Shubman Gill
Asked if he was advocating for the removal of Gill and reinstating Rohit as captain, Manoj said. “Yes, absolutely.” He urged the BCCI to realise the mistake made and make amends since the ODI World Cup is on the line. “That’s what I’m suggesting because abhi bhi Delhi dur nahi hai (there’s still time to course correct). It’s about the World Cup. It’s not just about a bilateral series or a random tournament we are going to play,” he added.
For Manoj, Rohit and Gill aren’t in the same league as captains. Apart from two ICC trophies, Rohit has five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, he has experienced it all. Gill, on the other hand, is still learning.
“Rohit has the experience. He is ahead of Shubman because Shubman is still not an experienced captain in international cricket. And how can you ascertain if someone is experienced? It’s by what bowling changes they make, field placements, which bowlers to bowl from which end, and things like this,” Manoj said.
Is India doomed if Rohit Sharma doesn’t lead?
This experience is what separates Rohit from Gill in Manoj’s opinion. On-field tactics, man management, and reading of the game, in all departments, Rohit is ahead of Gill. In fact, Manoj is certain that if Rohit is the one leading India in the ODI World Cup, the Men in Blue will have a higher chance of winning the ICC tournament.
“Rohit is not a little better than Shubman, but a lot better, currently. That’s why he’s such a successful captain. You can win it (the World Cup) with Shubman’s captaincy, but I’m suggesting comparing the captaincy of both. If Rohit becomes the captain, what is the percentage chance of winning? And if Shubman leads, what is the percentage chance of winning? I think everyone will say that if Rohit is the captain, then there is an 85 to 90 percent chance of winning the World Cup,” he concluded.
Exclusive | ‘What was the need to remove Rohit Sharma?’ – Manoj Tiwari suggests BCCI sack Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain Inside Sport India.
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