Rohit Sharma ends his ODI captaincy with an impressive 75% win rate, passing the baton to Shubman Gill while leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and success for the next generation.
Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill: A Seamless ODI Leadership Transition
India’s ODI captaincy handover to Shubman Gill represents a strategic relay for the future rather than a break from the past. Rohit Sharma steps down with silverware, an impressive win record, and the respect of the dressing room firmly intact. As Gill prepares to lead India in Australia, Rohit’s methods continue to influence the team’s 50-over strategy through 2027.
The accolades accompanying the transition are significant, backed by striking statistics. Rohit captained India in 56 ODI matches, winning 42—the highest tally for any Indian skipper with 50 or more games—and ranks second only to Clive Lloyd in win percentage under the same criteria. In ODIs alone, he guided India to the 2023 World Cup final and clinched the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In T20Is, he also led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s most successful captains.
The testimonials for Rohit Sharma, the Captain
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag praised Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, telling Cricbuzz, “People underestimate him regarding his captaincy, but after these two trophies, perhaps he becomes the second-best captain after MS Dhoni. He thinks less about himself, thinks about his team, about his teammates, and makes them comfortable. He understands that if a player has insecurity, their performance does not come through, so he ensures no one feels insecure and brings everyone along.”
Zaheer Khan highlighted Rohit’s trophy-winning mindset: “Winning trophies is a kind of drive, and his experience in this matter is extensive. In multi-national or franchise tournaments, you can see how he communicates, prepares, and leads with intensity, while maintaining a casual approach that works well for him.”
Former spinner and commentator Murali Kartik emphasized Rohit’s ability to command the dressing room: “He doesn’t lose the dressing room. Players naturally gravitate towards him because he gives them chances, celebrates their efforts publicly, and has consistently lived by this belief.”
The statistics back these accolades. Rohit’s ODI captaincy record stands at 56 matches, 42 wins, 12 losses, 1 tie, and 1 no result—a 75% win rate. Globally, only Clive Lloyd (76.2%) surpasses him among captains with 50-plus ODIs. Rohit’s record also exceeds that of Virat Kohli (68.4%) and MS Dhoni (55%), making him India’s most successful ODI captain by win percentage.
