The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly weighing up Shreyas Iyer as a candidate to lead the national side in one-day internationals, with Shubman Gill unlikely to take on the role due to workload management.
The development comes a day after Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee hinted at Gill being groomed as an all-format leader by naming him vice-captain of the Asia Cup T20I squad. However, reports in Dainik Jagran suggest that the board views Iyer as a longer-term option for the 50-over format, potentially through to the 2027 World Cup.
Iyer, 30, missed out on the Asia Cup squad because of the 15-player restriction but has strengthened his case with strong recent form, most notably in India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign earlier this year. He scored 243 runs in five matches with consistent contributions of 15, 56, 79, 45 and 48. Over his ODI career, he has already amassed 2,845 runs in 70 matches at an average of 48.22, including five centuries.
The timing of Iyer’s possible elevation depends largely on Rohit Sharma’s plans. Rohit, who turned 38 this year, remains India’s ODI captain. With both him and Virat Kohli already retired from T20s and Tests, speculation is mounting that the October ODI series against Australia may mark their final international outing. BCCI officials are expected to meet after the Asia Cup to map out the future, including discussions with both senior players.
Shubman Gill, initially considered for an all-format captaincy role, is unlikely to lead in ODIs despite his impressive record and recent stints as vice-captain. BCCI sources have indicated that managing his workload is now a priority.
Gill, who recently captained India in Tests against England and is currently T20 vice-captain under Suryakumar Yadav, already carries significant leadership responsibilities. He is set to lead the Test side against West Indies in early October, shortly after the Asia Cup. That will be followed by a demanding schedule of five T20Is in Australia and a full series against South Africa, which includes two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.
Given the relentless calendar, BCCI has ruled out the option of having one player captain across all three formats, citing the mental and physical strain such a role would impose.
If Rohit steps aside later this year, Iyer could take charge as early as the Australia series. If not, the transition may be delayed until after further discussions with senior management.