Former India opener Rohit Sharma, one of the most prolific batsmen of his era, is now navigating a new chapter in his career after being relieved of ODI captaincy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently handed over the reins to young sensation Shubman Gill, ending Rohit’s era as India’s ODI skipper. While the decision has sparked debate across cricketing circles, experts like former India cricketer Robin Uthappa have voiced concerns over the impact this move could have on Rohit’s aggressive batting style.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Captaincy: A Legacy of Aggression
Rohit Sharma, 38, has long been admired for his ability to set the tone at the top of the order. Over the past few years, he has transformed into a formidable ODI opener, boasting some of the fastest strike rates among India’s top-order batsmen. In the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit consistently led from the front, blending intent with efficiency.
Robin Uthappa highlighted on The KimAppa Show that removing Rohit from the captaincy could see him adopt a more circumspect approach. “Rohit Sharma is someone who has played at a much quicker clip over the last 3-4 years. Now, he would probably be a little more cautious because it would have been much more difficult to drop a captain versus now as a player,” Uthappa explained.
The concern is not unfounded. Leadership often brings out a player’s natural aggression, and Rohit’s era as captain allowed him to take calculated risks to inspire the team. Now, without the captaincy mantle, there is speculation that he might adopt a more conservative style in ODIs.
Fitness and Form: Rohit Sharma Prepares for Australia Series
Despite the shift in responsibility, Rohit Sharma appears focused on maintaining peak performance. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar recently revealed that Rohit has shed 10 kilograms, demonstrating his commitment to fitness ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19, 2025.
Rohit has also been working closely with veteran teammate Virat Kohli during training sessions in Perth, showcasing a renewed focus on skill refinement and match readiness. Fitness and form will be crucial as Rohit edges closer to 40, a milestone he will reach before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Maintaining consistency at this stage of his career will be vital for India’s success in upcoming tournaments.
Captaincy Change: A Boost for Shubman Gill
The BCCI’s decision to hand the captaincy to Shubman Gill has been met with widespread approval from former cricketers. Ex-spinner Amit Mishra commented that the move is beneficial for both players. “It’s good for Rohit that the pressure of captaincy isn’t on him anymore. He can focus on his performance and help the team win. At the same time, it’s good for Gill to take charge early and mature quickly,” Mishra said.
Gill, 25, brings IPL captaincy experience and has demonstrated leadership potential across top-level cricket. Early exposure to international captaincy is expected to accelerate his growth and help India build a stable leadership pipeline in ODI cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Road Ahead: Balancing Freedom with Responsibility
With captaincy pressure lifted, Rohit Sharma now has the freedom to concentrate solely on batting and mentoring young talent. Experts believe this could reinvigorate his approach, allowing him to play with clarity and intent rather than strategic caution. Rohit’s experience will also be invaluable in supporting Shubman Gill, offering insights into match situations, field placements, and pressure scenarios.
As India embarks on their Australia tour, fans will keenly watch how Rohit adapts to his new role. The cricketing fraternity remains hopeful that one of India’s greatest modern-day openers can continue to deliver match-winning performances while nurturing the next generation of Indian cricket stars.