The start of 2025 has brought renewed attention to the future of Rohit Sharma’s leadership in Indian cricket, particularly following India’s loss in the Melbourne Test. Speculations about Rohit’s role in Test cricket, coupled with his absence from the series-deciding Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Sydney, have intensified discussions about potential leadership changes across formats.
Rohit Sharma’s Uncertain Future in Test Cricket
Rohit’s decision to “opt out” of the crucial Sydney Test has fueled debates about his future in Test cricket, especially with his batting form under scrutiny. The 37-year-old had already retired from T20Is in June 2024 after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup, handing over the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav. Reports suggest that Jasprit Bumrah, who recently captained India to a commanding victory in Perth, could be the next Test captain.
BCCI Considers Leadership Changes for ODI Format
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to be preparing for a leadership transition under head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to a report by My Khel, the BCCI’s selection committee is evaluating potential candidates to lead India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If Rohit’s ODI captaincy comes under review, Hardik Pandya is emerging as the frontrunner to take charge.
Hardik Pandya: A Strong Candidate for ODI Captaincy
Hardik Pandya has demonstrated his leadership skills in white-ball cricket over the past two years. Known for his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, Hardik’s experience as an all-rounder and captain makes him an ideal choice for an ICC event like the Champions Trophy.
A source quoted in the report stated, “Hardik’s composure under pressure and his proven track record as a leader in the white-ball formats make him the strongest candidate if a change in ODI captaincy is considered.”
Other Contenders for the Role
While split captaincy has not been a popular approach in Indian cricket, the possibility cannot be ruled out. However, Suryakumar Yadav, who is currently leading the T20I side, has not yet solidified his position in the ODI setup, making his appointment unlikely. Young talents like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have also been mentioned as potential future leaders. However, Gill is still being groomed for leadership, and Pant’s candidacy is considered premature at this stage.
“Gill needs time to develop as a leader, and Suryakumar’s ODI performances have not been consistent enough. This makes Hardik the most balanced option for ODI captaincy in the immediate future,” the source added.
A Transition Period for Indian Cricket
As Indian cricket enters a phase of transition, the BCCI is exploring all possibilities to ensure continuity and success in the years to come. With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025, the focus will be on selecting a leader capable of delivering results on the big stage. Whether Hardik Pandya takes up the reins remains to be seen, but the all-rounder’s growing influence on the team makes him a strong contender.
