Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has recommended that the BCCI reconsider its leadership strategy in ODI cricket by reappointing Rohit Sharma as captain and relieving Shubman Gill of his duties. Gill, who assumed the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma in October 2025, has faced criticism following consecutive series defeats, including India’s first home ODI series loss to New Zealand.
Gill’s captaincy debut came in Australia, where India lost the series under his leadership. Since then, the team has struggled to achieve consistent results in the limited-overs format. India also suffered a setback in the recent ODI series against New Zealand after missing the home series against South Africa due to injuries in the squad. These results have raised concerns about the team’s preparedness for major tournaments, particularly the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Speaking to InsideSport, Tiwary said, “Yes, absolutely. That’s what I’m suggesting because there’s still time to course correct. It’s about the World Cup. It’s not just about a bilateral series or a random tournament we are going to play.” He stressed the importance of decisive leadership in limited-overs cricket, especially with the World Cup approaching. According to Tiwary, Rohit Sharma’s experience and proven track record as captain in major ICC events make him the preferred choice to guide the team through high-pressure tournaments.
Rohit Sharma has previously led India in ODIs and T20Is with significant success, including World Cup campaigns. His calm approach, tactical awareness, and ability to manage a diverse squad have been cited as key strengths. By contrast, while Shubman Gill is considered a talented batsman, his inexperience as a captain in high-stakes series has drawn scrutiny from former cricketers and analysts.
The BCCI is expected to evaluate the performance of its leadership ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Analysts suggest that acting early will give the team adequate time to settle under a captain capable of providing stability and strategic direction. The upcoming months will be crucial for India as it balances bilateral series commitments with preparations for the marquee tournament in 2027.
Reappointing Rohit Sharma could help India regain momentum in the ODI format while also sending a clear message about prioritizing leadership stability ahead of global competitions. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is likely to continue playing as a top-order batsman, where his contributions remain valuable for India’s long-term prospects in limited-overs cricket.
The debate over India’s ODI captaincy underscores the pressures on young leaders in international cricket and the need for consistent results ahead of major ICC tournaments. With World Cup preparations already underway, the BCCI’s decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched by fans, experts, and former players alike.
