The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a bold call ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Young opener Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain, replacing senior batter Rohit Sharma. The decision, confirmed on October 4 by Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, has triggered a wave of reactions across social media — with fans calling it unfair and “political.”
Fans Question BCCI Intentions
Rohit Sharma, who recently led India to two ICC trophies and a World Cup final appearance, is still part of the ODI squad. However, fans believe the decision to strip him of captaincy is a “forced retirement plan.”
End of an era… Rohit Sharma – the leader who gave us countless memories, smiles, and victories. Captaincy may end, but respect never will. 💔 #RohitSharmapic.twitter.com/0LFx4WNklf
— Sleeping X💤 (@just_k_18) October 4, 2025
On social media, supporters accused the board of “politics in cricket,” comparing this move to Virat Kohli’s controversial removal from captaincy in 2021. Some even criticized selectors Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir, saying they had forgotten Rohit’s immense contribution to Indian cricket.
A trending fan reaction read:
“Removing Rohit Sharma from captaincy isn’t just unfair, it’s an insult to a legend of Indian cricket. Legends like Rohit deserve honor, not humiliation.”
Relief Over “RoKo” Comeback
While the captaincy reshuffle has hurt fans, many are excited about the return of the iconic RoKo duo — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — as batters for the Australia series. The two are set to feature together in ODIs again, with their first appearance scheduled on October 19 at Optus Stadium, Perth.
One fan expressed mixed emotions:
“Gavaskar and Dravid got respect in retirement, but Rohit is being pushed out. Still, I’m happy RoKo is back. Let them play till 2027 World Cup!”
BCCI insiders suggest that the leadership change is part of a long-term vision for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe. At 26, Gill is seen as the face of the next generation. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain, signaling a transitional phase in Indian cricket.
India’s ODI Squad vs Australia
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain)
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Axar Patel
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prasidh Krishna
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
The debate over Gill’s appointment as ODI captain is unlikely to fade soon. While BCCI insists this is a step towards building a younger team for the future, fans believe the move undermines Rohit Sharma’s legacy. One thing is certain — all eyes will be on October 19 when India begin their ODI series against Australia, with Gill leading the side and RoKo back in action.
