BCCI Considers Shreyas Iyer as New ODI Captain, Gill’s Candidacy Dropped: Report

Indian cricket’s transition phase continues to throw up fresh intrigue. A day after Shubman Gill was tipped as a possible all-format leader by being named vice-captain of India’s Asia Cup T20I squad, reports now suggest that the BCCI is looking at a different option for ODIs.

According to Dainik Jagran, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is emerging as the frontrunner to lead India’s ODI team, potentially until the 2027 World Cup. While no final decision has been taken, Iyer’s recent form—especially his 243 runs in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign earlier this year—has boosted his credentials. The 30-year-old has already amassed 2,845 runs in 70 ODIs at an average of 48.22, with five centuries to his name.

The timing of the captaincy handover will depend heavily on Rohit Sharma’s future. Rohit, 38, continues to lead the ODI side but, along with Virat Kohli, has already stepped away from T20Is and Tests. Speculation is growing that the upcoming October series against Australia could be their last international assignment, with BCCI expected to hold discussions with both players after the Asia Cup.

If Rohit steps down, Iyer could take charge as early as the Australia series. Otherwise, the change may be delayed.

Why not Gill?
Though Gill was initially seen as an all-format captaincy prospect and has served as ODI vice-captain, selectors are keen to manage his workload. Already captain in Tests and vice-captain in T20Is, Gill faces a punishing calendar that includes the West Indies Test series in October, followed by back-to-back tours of Australia and South Africa. Officials believe handing him the ODI leadership as well would risk burnout.