Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli to be picked on merit from now on: How Shubman Gill became India’s ODI captain

Shubman Gill's elevation to ODI captaincy is a planned year-long process by national selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir, sending a clear message to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their future. This transition aims to establish a consistent team culture across formats, with Gambhir emphasizing that no player is indispensable as India builds towards the 2027 World Cup.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma of India (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill’s ascension to the ODI captaincy on Saturday was a part of a year-long process planned by the national selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir, TOI has learnt. Major leadership transitions in Indian cricket have often been awkward affairs but Gill’s elevation is not a reflection on predecessor Rohit Sharma ’s leadership qualities or credibility as an ODI batter. However, a loud and clear message has been sent out to Rohit and Virat Kohli about their ODI future leading to the World Cup two years from now.

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The selectors have picked both Rohit and Kohli for the threematch ODI series in Australia later this month based on their performances in the triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign in March, India’s last ODI assignment. Sources say both Rohit and Kohli will be picked on merit or form going forward.‘No one is indispensable’ When Gambhir assumed the role of the head coach in July 2024, he worked closely with Agarkar to firm up a roadmap across formats leading up to the 2027 World Cup. Gill was announced vice-captain in T20Is and ODIs ahead of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya because of fitness concerns. The debacle against New Zealand in the home Test series and the series defeat in Australia prompted both Agarkar and Gambhir to swing into action. Gambhir has been vocal about rising above Indian cricket’s superstar culture. “It has been a collective effort by Gambhir and Agarkar. They understand that it will be tough for both Rohit and Kohli to be at their peak after two years, given that they are in their late 30s. They didn’t want to be caught off guard if suddenly Rohit or Kohli’s form dipped. It would have created chaos in the leadership group. The duo announcing retirement from Tests days before the selection for the England tour was a case in point,” a BCCI source said, adding. “The team won the Champions Trophy and two Tests in England even without Bumrah. It has given the confidence that no one is indispensable in the current scenario.”Consistent dressing-room culture Given that the BCCI is looking at Gill as an all-format leader, Rohit staying at the helm in ODIs would have created conflicting team cultures across formats. “A player of Rohit’s stature in a leadership role would have meant he would get to drive his philosophy in the dressing room. But with him playing only in ODIs, a format which is played the least, it could have disturbed the team culture. Gambhir had taken a back seat in Tests and ODIs in the first six months of his assignment but the debacles against New Zealand and Australia prompted him to take charge more firmly,” said BCCI sources.

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