Shubman Gill was named India's new ODI captain, keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind.
This ended Rohit’s nearly four-year tenure as the full-time skipper of the ODI team after he retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025 while they also reached the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.
After the development, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik paid rich tribute to Rohit Sharma, saying that the latter showed the current team how to win big matches.
"Rohit Sharma. Thank you so much. You were a phenomenal captain tactically astute, but most importantly, very, very friendly and got along with everyone and made them feel so comfortable. But for me, the legacy that you've left as a captain. In those big moments, those big matches, you taught this current team what it takes to win," Karthik said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
"At times we used to take the backwards step, but you said, 'I think we need to press forward, put more pressure on the opponent, take more risks, and you didn't leave it to anyone else.' I think you started it with the bat when, in the big matches, you said, 'I'm going to go harder,' and that required skill. You got it done and you did it consistently. In the last 3 multi-nation tournaments that we have played, India has lost just one game."
"2024 T20 World Cup campaign unbeaten, Champions Trophy unbeaten. 2023, just that final. That is outstanding. And even after that you can see the after effects. Asia Cup unbeaten with a young team. That is what you've given this team India. You've left it in a better place than what it was when you started, and that's always a great sign of a leader," said Karthik.
Rohit captained India in 56 ODIs and won 42 of them. Karthik hailed his record and said the whole country was proud of his achievements.
"With the bat during your tenure as an ODI captain, you've averaged 52. And you've won 42 of the 56 matches that you've led. What an amazing record. All good things, as they say, must come to an end. Well, in this journey, I really hope and wish you're very proud because all of India, when it watched you lead that team was."
"It was just a very beautiful journey to have been a part of, and you achieved special things. I hope you're very, very happy with your journey. It's been great. It's been one that's pleasure-filled to watch, but most importantly, I wish all the very best to whatever you do in the future. Good luck. I know you're still around as a player, but that captaincy journey was just unbelievable. Well done," Karthik remarked.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s modern-day greats, continue to feature in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, ensuring that experience remains integral to India’s transition.
Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the series, scheduled between October 19 and 25 in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
India's ODI squad for Australia tour: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.