Rohit Sharma faces “Perform or Perish” test as BCCI finalizes his replacement at the top

Rohit Sharma’s successful stint as India’s ODI captain has come to an abrupt end, with Shubman Gill taking over as the new skipper. Shubman Gill will take charge immediately, with his first assignment being the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Rohit Sharma was informed about his sacking as the ODI captain, but the details of the discussion remain private.

Rohit Sharma removed as India's ODI captain, Shubman Gill takes over ahead of Australia tour

However, India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Rohit was informed about the decision but refused to share the reaction of the former captain over the sudden change in the leadership.

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Ajit Agarkar said during the press conference, “That is a conversation between me and Rohit, but like I said, of course, it has been communicated to him.”

He admitted that the decision to replace Rohit was not easy at all. He has an outstanding record in ODIs, with 42 wins in 56 matches and only one loss in ICC tournaments, and that was the ODI World Cup final against Australia in 2023 during his captaincy.

Despite his immense success as the captain, the national selectors decided to make a forward-looking decision, giving Shubman Gill enough time to grow into the role and prepare the team for the future, especially for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Rohit Sharma knew about ODI captaincy exit weeks before official announcement!!

Meanwhile, a fresh report claimed that Rohit was well aware of his sacking as India’s ODI captain even before the announcement made on Saturday, October 4. The Hitman was already informed about Gill replacing him before the upcoming Australia tour.

A report in The Telegraph reads: “Rohit had been informed about the decision some time ago and not on Saturday.”

The report further suggested that the Indian selectors are reportedly concerned about Rohit’s ability to maintain peak performance in the coming years. The 38-year-old has had a long break from competitive cricket and was last seen in the IPL 2025.

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Rohit is part of the ODI squad for the Australia tour, but this series is now being viewed as a critical “perform or perish” test for the seasoned opener. Many in the Indian think tank reckon that Rohit cannot “perform at his best after more than seven months of hiatus from competitive cricket.”

Abhishek Sharma confirmed as Rohit Sharma’s replacement as India opener in ODIs

The report revealed that Shubman Gill’s calm and composed leadership on the England tour has already given the BCCI confidence that he can now lead the ODI side as well. Even now, Gill got the ODI captaincy as well, but the BCCI is planning to shock fans with another big call.

The Indian selectors have already identified Rohit’s replacement in the top order in the ODIs, and he is none other than young explosive opener Abhishek Sharma. The Telegraph report revealed that Abhishek’s heroics in the recent Asia Cup 2025 assured the selectors that he is a "better" replacement for Rohit to give India a solid head start in ODIs.

The source said, “Abhishek has been amazing in the six-over powerplay in T20s. Imagine if he gets 10 and survives through that phase! He can better Rohit and give the innings a head start.”