‘That’s news to me’ – BCCI secretary opens up on Shreyas Iyer replacing Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI skipper

With batting stalwart Rohit Sharma already retiring from T20Is and Tests, speculation has increased that Shreyas Iyer could be the frontrunner to succeed him in the 50-over format. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed these reports, calling them nothing more than rumours.

Shreyas Iyer, who has guided two different IPL franchises to consecutive finals, is viewed by many as a sharp and composed cricketer with the right mindset to lead India. His performances with the bat, including a prolific run in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he was India’s highest run-getter, have pushed his case forward.

With Rohit at 38 and nearing the twilight of his international career, the debate around succession has increased. Alongside Iyer, young opener Shubman Gill has also been seen as a future leader. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently broke the silence on the rumours. “That’s news to me. There have been no such discussions,” Saikia told Hindustan Times.

Interestingly, even as Iyer’s name trends as a potential ODI captain, he found no place in India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. His exclusion, despite a strong IPL season where he scored over 600 runs and led Punjab Kings to the final, has triggered immense criticism from fans and experts alike. 

I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do: Santosh Iyer

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which announced the squad alongside T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, faced backlash for leaving Iyer out, even from the reserves list. The cricketer’s father, Santosh Iyer, also expressed disappointment at his son not getting selected for the marquee event.

“I don’t know what else Shreyas has to do to make it to the Indian T20 team. He has been performing so well in the IPL year after year, from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders to Punjab Kings, and that too as a captain. He even captained KKR to the IPL title in 2024 and led PBKS to the final this year,” Santosh told Times of India.

Furthermore, the BCCI has confirmed upcoming changes in the senior selection panel. The board has invited fresh applications to replace two members of the current five-man team, while Agarkar continues as chairman until the 2026 T20 World Cup.