Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed surprise at Rohit Sharma traveling to Australia for the ODI series as a player rather than captain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India named Shubman Gill as ODI captain when announcing squads for the Australia tour. Harbhajan questioned the timing of the leadership change after Rohit recently led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy.
The former spinner suggested Gill could have waited six to eight months before assuming captaincy responsibilities. Harbhajan praised Rohit's white-ball cricket record and consistency as an opener. The Mumbai batter retired from Tests and T20Is but will continue playing ODIs without any leadership role.
Shreyas Iyer received an appointment as vice-captain in the 50-over format on Saturday. Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel supported the decision as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He compared the transition to previous leadership changes when MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had senior players supporting them.
India defeated West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 series lead at home.
The former spinner suggested Gill could have waited six to eight months before assuming captaincy responsibilities. Harbhajan praised Rohit's white-ball cricket record and consistency as an opener. The Mumbai batter retired from Tests and T20Is but will continue playing ODIs without any leadership role.
Shreyas Iyer received an appointment as vice-captain in the 50-over format on Saturday. Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel supported the decision as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He compared the transition to previous leadership changes when MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli had senior players supporting them.
India defeated West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 series lead at home.
