- India,
- 05-Oct-2025 10:00 AM IST
IND vs AUS ODI Series: Rohit Sharma’s journey as India’s ODI captain has reached its final chapter. In the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting on October 19, he will no longer lead the side but feature solely as a player. The BCCI has appointed Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, with the vision of preparing him for leadership ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Alongside Rohit, Virat Kohli has also been named in the squad, and fans are eager to see the legends back on the field together.
Rohit Sharma: An Aggressive and Successful Leader
Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of India’s most successful captains, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Under his leadership, India adopted an aggressive yet strategic approach that earned global praise. He took over the ODI captaincy in December 2021 after Virat Kohli stepped down. During his tenure, India played 56 ODIs, winning 42, losing 12, tying one, and with one abandoned, giving him an impressive win percentage of 75%. His major achievements include winning the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and guiding India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen inspired many young players. Virat Kohli: The Perfect Blend of Batting and Leadership
Virat Kohli, counted among the greatest batsmen in world cricket, became India’s ODI captain in 2017 after MS Dhoni relinquished the role. Under Kohli, India played 95 ODIs, winning 65 and losing 27, with a win percentage of 68.42%. Known for his aggressive style and emphasis on fitness, Kohli gave Indian cricket a new dimension. He led India to multiple bilateral series wins and to the semifinals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. MS Dhoni: India’s Most Successful Captain
MS Dhoni is celebrated as India’s most successful captain, the only leader to win all three ICC trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Between 2007 and 2017, he captained India in 200 ODIs, winning 110, losing 74, with 5 ties and 11 no results. His win percentage was 55%. Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and strategic brilliance defined a golden era of Indian cricket. Comparative Analysis of ODI Captains
Rohit’s win percentage stands out, reflecting his aggressive and effective leadership. Kohli’s era brought consistency and dominance, while Dhoni’s tenure was the longest and the most decorated in terms of ICC trophies.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of Shubman Gill
Appointing Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain is part of BCCI’s forward-looking strategy. With the 2027 World Cup in sight, selectors aim to groom Gill for long-term leadership. Surrounded by stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli, Gill has the ideal opportunity to learn and shape India’s future.
Rohit Sharma: An Aggressive and Successful Leader
Rohit Sharma is regarded as one of India’s most successful captains, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Under his leadership, India adopted an aggressive yet strategic approach that earned global praise. He took over the ODI captaincy in December 2021 after Virat Kohli stepped down. During his tenure, India played 56 ODIs, winning 42, losing 12, tying one, and with one abandoned, giving him an impressive win percentage of 75%. His major achievements include winning the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and guiding India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen inspired many young players. Virat Kohli: The Perfect Blend of Batting and Leadership
Virat Kohli, counted among the greatest batsmen in world cricket, became India’s ODI captain in 2017 after MS Dhoni relinquished the role. Under Kohli, India played 95 ODIs, winning 65 and losing 27, with a win percentage of 68.42%. Known for his aggressive style and emphasis on fitness, Kohli gave Indian cricket a new dimension. He led India to multiple bilateral series wins and to the semifinals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. MS Dhoni: India’s Most Successful Captain
MS Dhoni is celebrated as India’s most successful captain, the only leader to win all three ICC trophies—the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. Between 2007 and 2017, he captained India in 200 ODIs, winning 110, losing 74, with 5 ties and 11 no results. His win percentage was 55%. Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and strategic brilliance defined a golden era of Indian cricket. Comparative Analysis of ODI Captains
| Captain | Matches | Wins | Losses | Ties | NR | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 56 | 42 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 75% |
| Virat Kohli | 95 | 65 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 68.42% |
| MS Dhoni | 200 | 110 | 74 | 5 | 11 | 55% |
Appointing Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain is part of BCCI’s forward-looking strategy. With the 2027 World Cup in sight, selectors aim to groom Gill for long-term leadership. Surrounded by stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli, Gill has the ideal opportunity to learn and shape India’s future.