Shreyas Iyer To Succeed Rohit Sharma As ODI Captain? Here's What Reports Claim

Shreyas Iyer is reportedly the frontrunner to become India's next ODI captain. Sources suggest that selectors view Iyer as a long-term successor to Rohit Sharma in this leadership role. Despite being left out of India's 15-member Asia Cup squad, Iyer remains a key figure in future plans.

The Asia Cup, scheduled from September 9-28 in the UAE, will see Shubman Gill returning to the T20I side and named vice-captain. He will support Suryakumar Yadav during the tournament. Gill, who recently began his tenure as Test captain, is also expected to assume leadership from Suryakumar in this format.

Future of Rohit and Kohli

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may soon decide on their ODI futures. Reports indicate they might play their last ODIs during the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. Selectors aim to relieve Rohit from captaincy duties, allowing him more freedom.

Both players have been pivotal for India in ODIs. Kohli has amassed 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, including 51 centuries and 74 fifties. His highest score is 183. Meanwhile, Rohit has scored 11,168 runs in 272 matches at an average of 48.76, with 32 centuries and a top score of 264.

Performance Highlights

Kohli and Rohit's last ODI appearances were during the ICC Champions Trophy, which India won. Kohli contributed significantly with 218 runs across five matches at an average of 54.50. His standout performances included a century against Pakistan and an innings of 84 against Australia in the semifinals.

Rohit had a mixed tournament but played a crucial role with a match-winning knock of 76 in the final. He ended the tournament with 180 runs at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 100.00.

The narrative around Indian cricket currently revolves around whether Kohli, aged 36, and Rohit, aged 38, can continue playing until the next ODI World Cup in 2027. Together, they have accumulated over 25,000 runs for India.

The decision regarding India's ODI team leadership could be made after the Asia Cup concludes. This period marks a potential transition phase for Indian cricket as it looks towards future tournaments and new leadership dynamics.