Rohit Sharma‘s Captaincy: A New Era Begins as BCCI Appoints Shubman Gill
In a pivotal shift for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the removal of Rohit Sharma as the captain of the One Day International (ODI) team. The reins have been handed over to Shubman Gill, the current Test captain, marking a significant transition in leadership as the team gears up for future challenges, including the 2027 World Cup.
A Strategic Decision by the BCCI
Ajit Agarkar, the Chief Selector of India, addressed the media following the announcement, emphasizing the need for a long-term vision. “While Rohit has been an exceptional captain, we believe it is crucial to provide the next leader ample time to prepare for the upcoming World Cup,” Agarkar stated. This decision reflects the BCCI’s commitment to building a robust team for the future, aiming to cultivate leadership that can guide the squad through the next cycle of international competitions.
Rohit Sharma’s tenure as captain has been marked by notable achievements, including leading India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. However, the absence of an ODI World Cup title under his leadership raises questions about his legacy. As discussions about his place in Indian cricket history unfold, fans and analysts alike are left pondering: Was Rohit Sharma the best white-ball captain India has ever had?
Analyzing Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Record
Rohit Sharma’s statistics as captain are impressive. He led the Indian ODI team in 56 matches, securing 42 victories, which translates to a remarkable win percentage of 75%. This figure stands as the highest among Indian captains who have overseen more than 50 ODIs. In the T20I format, Rohit achieved 49 wins out of 62 matches, further solidifying his reputation as a successful leader.
In contrast, MS Dhoni, often regarded as the gold standard of Indian captaincy, led the team in 200 ODIs, winning 110 of them for a win percentage of 55%. Dhoni’s legacy is defined not just by numbers but by the trophies he secured: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. While Rohit boasts a superior win percentage, the absence of an ODI World Cup title in his cabinet raises the stakes in this debate.
Captaincy Comparison: Rohit Sharma vs. MS Dhoni vs. Virat Kohli
| Captain | ODIs as Captain | ODI W-L (Win%) | T20Is as Captain | T20I W-L (Win%) | Global White-Ball Titles |
|—————-|——————|—————–|——————-|——————|————————–|
| MS Dhoni | 200 | 110-74 (55%) | 72 | 42-28 (58%) | 2007 T20 WC, 2011 WC, 2013 CT |
| Virat Kohli | 95 | 65-27 (68%) | 50 | 30-16 (60%) | – |
| Rohit Sharma | 56 | 42-12 (75%) | 62 | 49-12 (79%) | 2024 T20 WC, 2025 CT |
Rohit Sharma’s ICC Performance
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India has excelled in ICC events, winning 27 matches and losing only three. This win-loss ratio is the best among captains who have led their teams in at least 15 matches across three ICC events. Notably, Rohit ranks third in terms of wins in ICC events, trailing only MS Dhoni and Ricky Ponting.
Despite this success, Rohit’s captaincy faced a significant setback during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, where India fell short of clinching the title. This loss has been a point of contention among fans and analysts, as it prevented Rohit from adding an ODI World Cup to his accolades.
Breaking the ICC Drought
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy marked a turning point for Indian cricket, ending an 11-year drought for ICC trophies. After winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni, India struggled to secure another title until Rohit led the team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This triumph was followed by another ICC Champions Trophy win in 2025, signaling a resurgence in Indian cricket.
The Verdict: Who is the Best White-Ball Captain?
When evaluating the best white-ball captain in Indian cricket history, two distinct narratives emerge:
Rohit Sharma: The Efficiency and Dominance
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is characterized by efficiency and dominance. His record includes the highest win percentage in ODIs for India, the most T20I wins by an Indian captain, and back-to-back ICC trophies in 2024 and 2025. Under his leadership, India has often appeared invincible, showcasing a level of performance that has captivated fans.
MS Dhoni: The All-Time Legacy
Conversely, MS Dhoni’s legacy is defined by his ability to transform India into a world force. His tenure spanned a decade, during which he secured three major ICC titles and led the team through various challenges. Dhoni’s leadership style, marked by calmness and strategic acumen, has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
As Shubman Gill steps into the role of ODI captain, Indian cricket enters a new chapter. The BCCI’s decision reflects a forward-thinking approach, aiming to build a team capable of competing at the highest level for years to come. While Rohit Sharma’s captaincy will be remembered for its impressive statistics and ICC successes, the debate over who holds the title of the best white-ball captain in India will likely continue. As cricket evolves, so too will the narratives surrounding its leaders, ensuring that the legacies of both Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni remain a topic of discussion for generations to come.
