“India’s Upcoming ODI Series” Who is Captain ?
- During the 2025–26 international season, India will tour Australia for three one-day internationals scheduled between October 19 and November 8, 2025.
- Home Series Against South Africa – November to December 2025 After returning home, India will play three one-day internationals against South Africa in November and December combined
- January 2026: Home Series vs. New Zealand
From January 11 to January 31, 2026, India will play three ODIs against New Zealand.
Transfer of Captaincy: Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill?
The role of Rohit Sharma:
- In May 2025, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket, but he is still dedicated to ODIs. Even though he is still leading the ODI, there is growing conjecture regarding his future.
Growing Impact of Shubman Gill
- According to Sports Tak, Dynamite News, News18, and social media platforms, Shubman Gill is expected to assume the role of ODI captain and could lead as early as the Australia series in October 2025.
- Gill impressed as Test captain against England and is seen as the future leader in ODIs
Note: There’s no official BCCI confirmation yet, so for now, Rohit remains the ODI skipper—but the transition appears imminent.
| Series | Duration | Format | Prospective Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Australia | Oct 19 – Nov 8, 2025 | 3 ODIs away | Rohit (current) / Gill (expected) |
| India vs South Africa | Nov – Dec 2025 | 3 ODIs at home | Gill likely if transition confirmed |
| India vs New Zealand | Jan 11 – 31, 2026 | 3 ODIs at home | Gill expected as full-time captain |
Gallery
Key Players and Team Dynamics
- Rohit Sharma: One of India’s most successful white-ball captains in history, he remains a key batting presence in ODIs even after retiring from Test cricket.
- Shubman Gill is a rising star with the temperament to be a captain. He made a name for himself with outstanding Test leadership and continuously excellent ODI play.
- Support cast: A mix of young talent and seasoned players (like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah); selectors are anticipated to hone the team in advance of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Tactical Background and Wider Perspective
- With the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2027 approaching, India appears to be developing a plan for leadership succession. The long-term captain is thought to be Gill. Even if Rohit takes the lead in Australia, Gill will probably take over soon after.
- The goal of India’s busy home season in late 2025 and early 2026 is to get the team ready for every format. Prior to the 2027 peak event, ODIs will be a crucial stage.
Overview: What to anticipate
- Start: In October 2025, the next ODI series against Australia will begin.
- Rohit will probably captain the first game or two before Shubman Gill assumes permanent leadership.
- Future plans include a three-game home series against South Africa from November to December 2025 and New Zealand from January 2026.
- Strategic direction: Developing the team and changing the leadership before the 2027 World Cup
