Rohit Sharma`s future in India`s ODI team faces uncertainty following his removal from captaincy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently appointed Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, effectively ending Rohit`s leadership tenure. Robin Uthappa, a former India cricketer and Rohit`s ex-teammate, fears this change might temper Rohit`s naturally aggressive batting approach as an opener in the 50-over format.
As captain, Rohit consistently led with an aggressive mindset in ODIs, often attacking from the first ball. His self-sacrificing intent is well-supported by statistics; he recorded the highest strike-rate among India`s top five batters in both the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025.
However, Uthappa cautioned that without the captaincy, Rohit might become more conservative in his batting.
“Rohit Sharma has significantly increased his scoring rate in one-day cricket. Over the past few years, he has adopted a much faster pace, which I see as a considerable evolution in his game.”
Uthappa continued, “His approach to one-day cricket has transformed. I believe he found an ideal balance with that style. There were moments I felt he didn`t need to be quite so aggressive, but I think he was setting an example as captain and felt compelled to do so.”
“Now, as a regular player, he might be more reserved, as dropping a captain is far harder than benching a non-captain. Given the selectors` statement that both Rohit and Virat Kohli will be chosen purely on merit, I anticipate they will be less excessively aggressive and more circumspect.”
Rohit`s last match as captain was the Champions Trophy 2025 final, following which he confirmed he had no immediate plans to retire from ODIs.
Nonetheless, with Rohit approaching 40 by the 2027 ODI World Cup and playing in only one format, many analysts highlight the significant challenge he faces in sustaining both his form and fitness.
Despite these concerns, Rohit appears to be dedicated to his fitness. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar recently revealed on Instagram that Rohit has successfully shed 10 kilograms.
Rohit is slated to rejoin the Indian squad for the first time in seven months for the three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19.
