A day after a report suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was considering Shreyas Iyer as the successor to Rohit Sharma for the ODI captaincy, the board has firmly quashed the speculation. The claim, published in Dainik Jagran on Thursday, positioned Iyer as the frontrunner to take over once Rohit decides his future in the 50-over format. However, BCCI officials have clarified that no such discussions have occurred and instead pointed to Shubman Gill as the natural choice for the role.
BCCI Secretary Rejects Speculation
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in a statement to Hindustan Times, categorically denied the rumors surrounding Shreyas Iyer potential captaincy. Saikia expressed surprise at the report, emphasizing that the board had not deliberated on the matter. The speculation comes on the heels of Iyer’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, which may have fueled the narrative. “That’s news to me. There have been no such discussions,” Saikia stated.
Shubman Gill: The Front-Runner
A BCCI source, as reported by Hindustan Times, underscored Shubman Gill as the logical candidate to lead India in ODIs when the time comes for a transition. The 25-year-old opener, who was recently named India’s Test captain, has already been entrusted with leadership responsibilities. Gill served as vice-captain during the Champions Trophy and is currently the deputy to Suryakumar Yadav in the Asia Cup T20 squad.
The source highlighted Gill’s credentials, stating, “He averages 59 in ODI cricket and is already the vice-captain of the team. There is no way someone who has recently been appointed Test captain, found some success, and has age on his side should not take over leadership in ODI cricket, when the time comes.”
India’s Current Leadership Structure
For now, India maintains a three-captain setup across formats: Rohit Sharma leads in ODIs, Shubman Gill in Tests, and Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is. This structure reflects the BCCI’s strategy to groom young leaders while relying on experienced players like Rohit to guide the team in major tournaments.
The swift dismissal of the Iyer speculation and the endorsement of Gill signal the BCCI’s clear vision for the future of Indian cricket’s leadership, with Gill emerging as a key figure in their long-term plans.