ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma is no more the India captain?

Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s captain is now a subject of intense discussion within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The captain’s recent struggles with the bat, particularly in Test cricket, have raised concerns about his leadership in the longer format. His decision to step aside from the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia further fueled speculation about his current role and future with the Indian team. Rohit’s form in the ongoing series has been far from ideal, with limited contributions in key moments. His decision to opt out of the final Test, especially when India is fighting to level the series and secure crucial points for the World Test Championship, has raised eyebrows.

Rohit Sharma to be dropped as India captain for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

This move, alongside his inconsistent performances, has sparked a debate within the cricketing community about whether it’s time for a leadership change, not only in Tests but potentially in One-Day Internationals as well. While Rohit’s leadership in white-ball formats has been widely regarded as successful, particularly in limited-overs cricket where he led India to the Asia Cup title, his recent struggles have created uncertainty. The BCCI will likely deliberate on the future of India’s captaincy, weighing the need for fresh leadership against the experience and contributions of a player like Rohit, who has played a pivotal role in India’s recent successes. As the discussion continues, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds.

As a result of the ongoing discussions surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s captain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly exploring potential leadership alternatives ahead of the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With questions arising about Rohit’s form and his role, particularly after opting out of the fifth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI is considering its options for the future of the Indian team’s leadership.

Among the frontrunners for the captaincy is Hardik Pandya, who has emerged as a strong candidate to lead India in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Pandya has already showcased his leadership abilities in limited-overs formats, particularly when leading India to victory in the 2022 Asia Cup. His aggressive approach, tactical acumen, and maturity on the field have earned him significant praise, making him a potential successor to Rohit, especially in the white-ball formats. The BCCI’s search for a new leader is part of a broader strategy to ensure that India is well-prepared for the 2025 Champions Trophy, and Pandya’s growing leadership credentials could make him a natural choice for the role. As the tournament draws closer, discussions within the board will likely intensify to finalize the captaincy decision.

"Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," a source told My Khel as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from 20-over international cricket in 2024 after leading India to a T20 World Cup title, paving the way for Suryakumar Yadav to take over the reins in the shortest format. Rohit's decision marked the end of a successful era in T20 cricket for India, with Yadav now entrusted with the leadership role moving forward. Meanwhile, in the red-ball format, Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a potential candidate for India’s Test captaincy. Following a successful stint as captain in Perth, where he led the team to a dominant victory, Bumrah has earned significant praise for his leadership qualities. His calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and strong influence in the dressing room have made him a natural leader for India in the longer format. The BCCI is now weighing the possibility of appointing Bumrah as the Test captain, further solidifying his leadership credentials.

Hardik Pandya has consistently emerged as a leading candidate for India's captaincy across formats. Over the past few years, the all-rounder has successfully led the Indian team in various white-ball series and has captained Mumbai Indians in the IPL for the past three seasons. His leadership in high-pressure situations has earned him widespread praise, making him a strong contender for India’s future leadership role.

While other players, including Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, are also being considered, Pandya’s experience and composure under pressure set him apart. Reports suggest that while Gill has great potential, he still needs more time to mature as a leader. Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav, though impressive, has yet to cement his place in the ODI lineup, limiting his chances for a leadership role at the moment. With his proven track record, Hardik remains a front-runner for India’s captaincy, especially in white-ball formats.