The cricketing world sat up when the BCCI announced that Shubman Gill would take over India’s ODI captaincy, ending Rohit Sharma’s run as the leader in the 50-over format. And when Rohit finally broke his silence, it was with a blend of reflection, gratitude, and forward-looking intent.
Setting the Stage: The Transition
On October 4, 2025, the board named Gill the new ODI skipper, a move seen as part of India’s long-term strategy for the 2027 World Cup. Rohit remained in the squad, signaling that while the armband may have moved, his role in the side had not ended.
Just days later, at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Rohit took the stage for his first public address since the change.
What He Said: Key Lines & Emotions
“I love that team, I love playing with them.”
Straight from the heart, Rohit began by reaffirming his affection for the squad he led. Even without the captaincy, his bond with the team remained undiminished.
A journey, not a single year’s work
He contextualized India’s recent successes—from 2023’s heartbreak in the ODI World Cup final to triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy—as part of a larger collective evolution. He emphasized that these milestones were not achieved overnight, but were built over multiple campaigns.
“It’s not about one year or two years of work. We’d come so close to winning that trophy many times but we couldn’t just get over the line. That is where everyone decided we need to do something different. It cannot be done by one or two players. We needed everyone to buy into that thought.”
Eyes on Australia: enthusiasm and challenge
He also looked ahead to the upcoming ODI series in Australia, asserting that playing Down Under still excites him:
“I love playing against them. I love going to Australia. It’s a very challenging country to play cricket. People there love the game as well.”
He acknowledged that Australia poses a unique test, but with experience, understanding of conditions, and team effort, India could aim for strong results.
