"I think it's a great decision" - Former coach's massive take on Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain

Former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar supported the decision to make Shubman Gill the ODI captain, but said it should be done only if Rohit Sharma was informed earlier. In a surprising move, Team India named Gill as the new ODI skipper, replacing Rohit, while announcing the squad for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Gill recently took over the Test captaincy after Rohit retired from the format. However, the young batter has not yet led India in ODIs. Speaking about Gill’s appointment and Rohit’s removal as ODI captain, Nayar said on Star Sports (via India Today):

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Former coach supports Gill’s appointment

Former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said that Shubman Gill’s appointment as ODI captain is a good move, but only if Rohit Sharma was informed and involved in the decision.

“For me, there’s only one thing. As long as that discussion happened with him, as long as he was on the same page, if he also said, ‘Yes, we have to look forward, we want to give Shubman Gill a chance, and I’ll be there in that dressing room to help him,’ then I am all for it. I think it’s a great decision because you’ve kept the captain (Rohit) in the loop. You’ve given him that responsibility — to help take the team forward like he did till now. I feel he deserves that much,” Nayar said.

The decision to replace Rohit as ODI captain surprised many, especially after he led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title. The veteran batter has an impressive ODI captaincy record, winning 42 out of 56 matches.

“It’s not a phone call” – Nayar stresses clear communication

Nayar added that such a major decision should involve more than just a phone call. “Any decision you take — it’s not wrong. Everyone knew Shubman Gill would become captain one day because he is that kind of player. But if you’re going to do it, do it right. Communication takes time. It’s not a phone call. You sit together and talk it through,” Nayar said.

Rohit has captained India in 142 matches across formats, winning 103 and losing only 33. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has led India in 11 games across T20Is and Tests, with seven wins and three losses.

India’s tour of Australia will start with three ODIs from October 19, followed by five T20Is.