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]Shubman Gill Named ODI Captain as Shreyas Iyer Declines, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli May Miss 2027 World Cup: Reports
by K D Mishra
Shubman Gill has been named as India’s new ODI captain and will lead the Indian team in the three-match series against Australia starting on October 19. This is the first time as ODI captain, although he has previously captained India in Tests and T20Is. The changes has been changed because of India’s plan for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.The BCCI also announced the squad for the five-match T20I series, which will be played after the ODIs from October 29 to November 8. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are included in the ODI squad, even though they are no longer captains. Both are returning to competitive cricket after last playing internationally in March during the Champions Trophy and in IPL 2025. Shreyas Iyer has been made the vice-captain.
ACC reports say the BCCI gave Rohit a choice: he could captain the team in the Australia ODIs and then retire as captain, or play just as a regular player, with his future in the team depending on his performance. Shreyas Iyer was offered the ODI captaincy but declined after being told Rohit and Kohli might not play in the 2027 World Cup. Shubman Gill accepted and became the new captain.
Former selector Dilip Vengsarkar said he is concerned about picking Rohit and Kohli after their long break.. “If a player is playing only one format, it’s hard to know their form and fitness,” he said. He added that both have great records and have done a lot for Indian cricket, but their current form is uncertain.
India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that both Rohit and Kohli passed their fitness tests. However, he added that being selected for the Australia tour does not have a secure spot in the 2027 World Cup. This series will show if they are ready to play at their bes
Vengsarkar also said that the selectors should give chances to players who can play all formats, as India plans for the future. With Shubman Gill as captain and the futures of Rohit and Kohli still unclear, the Australia series will be an important test for India’s ODI team and their preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
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