With Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of his career and India’s ODI leadership set for transition, the race for the next ODI captaincy crown is intensifying. Several names have emerged as frontrunners, each bringing unique credentials and recent performances to the table.
Shubman Gill
Currently India’s Test captain, Shubman Gill is seen as a natural leader for the next generation. At just 25, he has already demonstrated leadership qualities with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and is India’s top-ranked ODI batter. Gill’s calm temperament, solid technique, and consistent performances in ODIs make him a strong candidate to take over the ODI reins. He is also the current vice-captain in ODIs, further underlining his position in the leadership pecking order.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s stock has soared after a remarkable IPL 2025, where he led Punjab Kings to their first final since 2014 and was their leading run-scorer. Iyer has now “officially joined the white-ball captaincy race,” with influential voices in Indian cricket acknowledging his Dhoni-like composure and Kohli-like aggression. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire teams under pressure have forced selectors to seriously consider him for the ODI captaincy, especially after his recent resurgence and leadership success in domestic and IPL cricket.
Hardik Pandya
Former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has publicly endorsed Hardik Pandya as his pick for India’s next white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain. Despite mixed results as Mumbai Indians captain in the IPL, Pandya’s previous success with Gujarat Titans and his experience as a leader in limited-overs formats keep him in the conversation. However, his form and fitness have been inconsistent, and he does not play Test cricket, which could influence the selectors’ decision.
Current Scenario and Likely Successor
- Shubman Gill is widely considered the frontrunner due to his current vice-captaincy, his recent elevation to Test captain, and his status as India’s premier ODI batter. His leadership is seen as a symbol of the new era post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
- Shreyas Iyer has become a strong challenger after his IPL heroics and is now officially in the mix for the white-ball captaincy. His tactical brilliance and proven ability to lead under pressure make him a compelling alternative, especially if selectors desire a fresh approach in ODIs.
- Hardik Pandya remains a wildcard, with strong backing from past legends but less consistent recent results and questions about his long-term fitness and form.
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Conclusion
Shubman Gill appears to be the most likely candidate to wear India’s ODI captaincy crown next, given his current roles and consistent performances. However, Shreyas Iyer’s rapid rise as a leader and his recent IPL exploits have made the contest closer than ever, with selectors now having a genuine choice between two in-form, dynamic young leaders. Hardik Pandya, while still in the conversation, seems a less probable option based on current form and team requirements.
