Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain: Is it the correct move?

BCCI recently named Shubman Gill as the new Indian ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, ahead of the tour of Australia. The decision has sparked a massive debate whether it was the right decision by BCCI. 

Rohit Sharma will go down as one of the most successful white-ball captains of the Indian team. He won two ICC trophies in the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, Shubman Gill has made 2775 runs at an average of 59.04 and a strike rate of 99.56 in 55 ODIs, including eight centuries and 15 fifties, with the highest score of 208. His calm demeanor, beautiful stroke play, and ability to adjust to different conditions have made him an important member of India’s batting lineup.

India needs to build towards the ICC World Cup in 2027, and Rohit Sharma plays one format. He will be 40 by the time the tournament is played, and it seems the BCCI wants to be mindful of that reality. In that sense, the board seems to have taken the right decision to hand over the captaincy to Gill to ensure a smooth transition.

Gill will bring in his youthful energy and fresh ideas to the Indian team, and will ensure that India has continuity in the team culture, as he has played under Rohit Sharma. He leads from the front with the bat, as shown in the recent England Test series.

However, there are also some pitfalls in this decision. The biggest being Gill’s ability to manage his workload being captain in Tests and ODIs. Though ODIs are the least played format now, he also plays T20Is, and there is a danger of burnout for Gill. His batting could get affected due to the pressure of captaincy, which might hamper his consistency.

But with Gill already being named captain of the Indian ODI team, there should be only support for the decision as the Men in Blue prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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