Not Shubman Gill! Ambati Rayudu picks India's ODI captain after Rohit Sharma

Former Team India batter Ambati Rayudu has shared his views on the next captain of the national cricket team following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from ODI cricket. Rayudu backed middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer over Shubman Gill, who was the vice-captain in India’s last ODI series, to lead the national team.

There have been speculations around Rohit Sharma’s place in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Rohit may need to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy or represent India A to secure his spot. He has already retired from Tests and T20Is and only plays in ODIs, where he continues to lead India as captain.

Watch: Ambati Rayudu Picks Rohit Sharma's Successor as India ODI Captain

During a YouTube podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Ambati Rayudu was asked who could succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain once he steps down. Ambati Rayudu backed Shreyas Iyer, citing his composure and leadership qualities.

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"With his extraordinary calmness, he led KKR to become champions. After that, he has guided a young Punjab team, no one even gives them a chance. He is an extraordinary captain. He should be appointed very soon," Ambati Rayudu said.

Ambati Rayudu said Shreyas Iyer should be next ODI captain of indian cricket team 🇮🇳#ShreyasIyer #apmbatirayudu pic.twitter.com/QSgDiRk9Xq

— Horizon (@hype_edittz) August 18, 2025

Shreyas Iyer's Stellar Run as Captain in Domestic Cricket and IPL

Shreyas Iyer has proven himself as a leader across formats and leagues. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024 and led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first IPL final since 2014 in the 2025 season. Iyer also worked with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was KKR’s mentor in 2024.

In domestic cricket, Shreyas captained Mumbai to the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. However, Mumbai finished third in Group C during the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy and missed out on the knockout stages.

The middle-order batter also led SOBO Mumbai Falcons to the final in the 2025 T20 Mumbai League. However, they could not clinch the trophy. Overall, Shreyas has consistently demonstrated his leadership and strategic abilities throughout his career.

Shubman Gill's IPL and India Captaincy Experience

On the other hand, Shubman Gill has already gained captaincy experience in both domestic and international cricket. He took over as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024, but the team struggled and finished eighth, failing to reach the playoffs.

However, the 25-year-old batter showed improvement in the 2025 season, guiding GT to a top-four finish before they were eliminated in the Eliminator. Gill has registered 14 wins and 13 losses in 27 IPL matches, with a win percentage of 51.85.

Apart from the IPL, Gill was backed as India’s Test captain. He led a young and inexperienced squad in a five-match series in England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. With this experience, he is now on the radar for leadership roles in limited-overs cricket as well.

Also read: Shubman Gill gets Virat Kohli-level hype; Agarkar, Gambhir ‘huge fans’ but Asia Cup 2025 selection…