At a recent public event, Indian batter Rohit Sharma attracted attention when he responded positively to a statement by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, referring to him as captain of India, even though Rohit is not currently in that position. The moment was recorded on video, with Rohit smiling at the comment, leading to conversations among fans. The video highlights that Rohit commands respect in Indian cricket, despite no longer being in a leadership role.

Rohit was replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain in anticipation of the Australia tour in October 2025 as the selectors transitioned their focus toward long-term planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit, who is now 38 years old, will only play as a specialist 50-over batter, as he has already retired from both Test and T20I cricket. While he is no longer captain, he is still influential within the team given his leadership experience and composure.

See Also: "Who can it be?..."- Aakash Chopra names potential replacement of Tilak Varma in T20Is vs New Zealand

Jay Shah addressed Rohit Sharma as the captain of India during the ‘United in Triumph’ event. Jay stated that leadership does not come from a title, but comes from accomplishments made as a leader. He credited Rohit for leading India to two historic Titles with the ICC and reinforced that he was a driving force behind India’s success on the world stage. Jay’s comments reminded everyone that Rohit has had a great legacy in Indian cricket and will continue to be remembered as a leader.

Watch the video;

Jay Shah 🗣️: “our captain Rohit Sharma is sitting here. I am still calling you captain because under you, we won two ICC trophies”.

Jay Shah is grateful to Rohit Sharma for ending the drought of ICC trophies for India 🥹🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/7xjVZdjkwQ

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) January 8, 2026

Our captain is sitting here: Jay Shah

Jay went back to explain that India disappointment at the 2023 ODI was also a decisive win because they dominated the tournament, but missed the mark in the final. However, he highlighted how Rohit led India by fulfilling promised to win the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Rohit was appointed India’s full-time ODI Captain in December 2021. He has a record of winning 42 of 56 matches. He was also a runner up at the 2023 ODI World Cup, and he is India’s most successful T20I captain ever.

“Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but couldn’t lift the trophy. In February 2024, I had said in Rajkot that in the next World Cup, we will win both hearts and the cup,” Shah said at the United in Triumph event.