Shreyas Iyer is likely to take over as India’s new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, NDTV reported citing BCCI sources.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, scheduled in the UAE from September 9. Suryakumar Yadav will continue as captain, with Shubman Gill returning as vice-captain after missing T20Is since July 2024. Interestingly, Iyer did not find a place in the squad, with Agarkar questioning who the 30-year-old could realistically replace.
According to Dainik Jagran, discussions within the BCCI – both formal and informal – have revolved around the future leadership structure of Indian cricket across formats. With a jam-packed calendar ahead, the board is wary of overburdening one player with captaincy duties. Gill, who is already leading in Tests and is seen as a strong contender for the T20I role, may not be handed charge of all three formats.
Iyer’s ODI captaincy hinges on Rohit Sharma’s future
Iyer’s appointment as ODI captain could come as early as the Australia series in October, but it will largely depend on Rohit Sharma’s decision about his future in the format. A call is expected after the Asia Cup, once Rohit is consulted.
The 38-year-old has already retired from Tests and T20Is. If he also steps away from ODIs, Iyer is likely to be named the long-term skipper and could even lead India into the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.