Rohit Sharma was appointed India’s new ODI captain by the BCCI on Wednesday, December 8. He replaces Virat Kohli, who has had a phenomenal run as India’s captain in 50-over cricket. It had been rumored for a while that Rohit would replace Kohli and the BCCI confirmed the development when naming India’s Test squad for the upcoming South Africa tour. According to reports, BCCI selectors made the final call on Rohit’s ODI captaincy. The team would continue to be led by Kohli in Test matches and ODIs. Selectors, however, decided to go with the dashing opener.

Interestingly, last month, after the T20 World Cup concluded, Virat Kohli stepped down as India’s T20I skipper. He will lead India in all white-ball games now that Rohit has taken over the leadership role in the shortest format. ”We can expect a thrilling opener that lives up to expectations. ”Kohli will be a vital figure in the ODI and T20I sides,” stated Rohit Sharma. According to multiple reports, BCCI selectors decided on Rohit’s ODI captaincy. Kohli had announced that he would lead the team in Tests and ODIs. In the end, the selectors decided that the dashing opener should take charge.

“The BCCI wanted a clear distinction between red ball and white-ball cricket format. In order to avoid any confusion, the BCCI wanted to separate the longest format from the shorter formats completely. Ultimately, it was up to the selectors to make a decision. The BCCI after some long discussions finally decided to make Rohit Sharma the new ODI captain,” stated one of the BCCI officials.