Not Rohit; Shubman Gill to lead India in Australia tour as fresh report makes huge claim

Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Shubman Gill will likely to lead India in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Earlier, PTI reported that Gill could be rested for the series; however, a fresh report from the Express Sports has claimed that the Punjab batter is in contention for the ODI captaincy. 

Gill to lead, Rohit to be in IND squad for AUS tour: Report

As reported by Express Sports, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be included in the Indian squad for the Australia ODIs. However, the selectors have had a word with Test skipper Shubman Gill, who could make his ODI captaincy debut on the Australia tour.

The report stated that Gill was also a part of the discussion regarding the Indian team selection for the Australia tour. Although Rohit Sharma is still active as an ODI cricketer, Gill's appointment is meant to ease the leadership transition process before the 2027 World Cup, where he is supposed to captain the Indian contingent. Considering how rapidly things are panning out, it won't be surprising if the Australia ODIs turn out to be the final swan song for Rohit Sharma. 

Gill's rise that coincided with Rohit Sharma's fall

Rohit Sharma, one of the legendary batters to represent India, had a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia that eventually led to his retirement from the format. The 38-year-old led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup glory before the Men in Blue clinched the Champions Trophy title in his tenure. 

However, considering Rohit is already 38 and will be 40 by the next World Cup, the Indian team management seems not too keen to persist with him until the mega event. While things are still quite unclear, the BCCI's final call on Rohit's future as an Indian player will be understood once the squad is out. 

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