Rohit Sharma’s ODI future questioned by Aakash Chopra after Shubman Gill’s elevation: ‘If there’s a drought…’

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra termed Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain the formal start of Gill’s era in Indian cricket, while also raising doubts over Rohit’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 38-year-old Rohit, who led India to the Champions Trophy 2025 title in his last international appearance, was replaced as India’s ODI captain by Gill on Saturday.

Rohit and Virat Kohli both feature in the ODI squad for the three-match series in Australia this month. The batting stalwarts have already retired from Tests and T20Is, and there’s a question mark on how long they will continue in ODIs.

Nonetheless, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors on Saturday decided to have a new ODI captain with an eye on the future. The 26-year-old Gill now holds a leadership position in all three formats. Gill was made the Test captain in May after Rohit announced his retirement, while he was named the vice-captain in T20Is before the Asia Cup 2025.

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‘Rohit no more a guarantee in Indian ODI team’: Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra said that Gill’s elevation to ODI captaincy signals the start of the preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

“Gill is the new captain of the Indian ODI Team. He is already the captain in Tests, vice-captain in T20Is and now the captain in ODIs. India were searching for an all-format captain and here it’s almost like signed and delivered. The preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup has also begun. Gill will be the captain in the 2027 ODI World Cup,” Chopra said in a video on X.

Shubman Gill has been made #TeamIndia’s ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma in that role.

What do you think of this decision? Let me know in the replies below. pic.twitter.com/936JJhbg25

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 4, 2025

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While discussing how the decision would impact Rohit’s future in the format, Chopra said that there’s no guarantee the senior batter will play for India in the 2027 World Cup.

“So what are the implications for Rohit Sharma? He has always played well. Won the Champions Trophy as captain and was player of the match in the final as well. But your name is first on the team sheet when you are the captain, and the team is prepared as per your thoughts. But when you become just one of the players, then all selection decisions are made in that context. How is your form?

“Of course, there’s experience and pedigree, but the truth is that if you are no longer the captain, then there’s no guarantee that you will see him playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Keep scoring runs, but if there’s a drought, then we don’t know. This is the reality. Shubman Gill’s era formally started in Indian cricket.”