Rohit Sharma’s enduring stature in Indian cricket was on full display during a recent public event when ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah referred to him as “India’s captain,” drawing a visibly delighted reaction from the veteran batter. A clip from the event has since gone viral on social media, capturing Rohit’s broad smile as the remark echoed across the stage.
The moment stood out, especially given that Rohit was replaced as India’s ODI skipper by Shubman Gill ahead of the Australia tour in October 2025. While the leadership baton has officially passed on, Rohit’s legacy as captain remains firmly intact. Under his stewardship, India enjoyed a golden run in global tournaments, clinching back-to-back ICC titles — the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025.
Those triumphs cemented Rohit’s reputation as one of India’s most successful leaders in the modern era, blending calm authority with tactical clarity. Rohit had already stepped away from leadership duties in T20Is and Tests, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill taking charge in those formats, respectively.
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With the ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027 and Rohit now 38, the selectors opted for a long-term transition, handing Gill the reins of the 50-over side to allow him sufficient time to grow into the role.
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Despite no longer being the serving captain, Jay Shah’s words underlined the respect Rohit continues to command within Indian cricket’s corridors of power.
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“Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies,” Jay Shah said while addressing the gathering at the United in Triumph event. He also revisited the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, before recalling his 2024 promise that India would win both hearts and silverware — a vow fulfilled soon after.
Rohit Sharma first took over as India’s full-time ODI captain in December 2021 and led the side in 56 matches, leaving behind a leadership legacy that still resonates, even after stepping aside.
