The Indian cricket team could be heading toward another leadership transition - this time in the 50-over format. With a packed schedule across formats and senior players nearing the final stages of their international careers, the selectors and team management are evaluating long-term captaincy options.
While Shubman Gill has already been entrusted with Test captaincy and is being groomed as a future T20 captain, reports suggest the ODI role might go in a different direction altogether.
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Shreyas Iyer tipped as Rohit Sharma's successor in ODIs
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the BCCI is preparing to hand Shreyas Iyer the reins of the ODI side once Rohit Sharma steps down. The final decision will depend on Rohit's plans with discussions expected after the Asia Cup.
The 38-year-old opener is currently India's ODI captain but could be playing his last international series in Australia later this year. BCCI sources told the publication that Iyer is being seen as the long-term leader till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year where he made vital runs in India's title win, has only strengthened his case. Overall, he has scored 2,845 runs in 70 ODIs at an impressive average of 48.22 - including five centuries.
Why Shubman Gill won't captain the ODI side
Gill has already shouldered plenty of responsibility - leading the Test team and serving as vice-captain in both ODIs and T20Is. Sources suggest workload management is the key reason he has not been given the captaincy in all formats.
More: Who will open for India in Asia Cup 2025? Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill or Sanju Samson?
With Rohit and Virat Kohli already retired from Tests and T20Is, the ODI captaincy is the last piece of India's leadership transition. Once the Asia Cup concludes on September 28, the selectors are expected to sit down with the senior duo before finalizing the ODI roadmap.
If reports are accurate, Shreyas Iyer is in line to become the new face of India's 50-over setup with Gill and Suryakumar Yadav steering the other formats.