Star Indian batter Rohit Sharma once again found himself in the spotlight after a heartwarming moment at a recent ICC event, where chairman Jay Shah affectionately referred to him as India’s captain, despite the veteran no longer holding the role officially.
Rohit was replaced as India’s ODI skipper by Shubman Gill ahead of the Australia tour in October 2025, as selectors shifted focus toward building a squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 38, Rohit now continues purely as a specialist batter in the 50-over format, having already retired from Test and T20I cricket. While the leadership baton has been passed on, his impact as one of India’s most successful captains remains unquestionable.
During the ‘United in Triumph’ event, Jay Shah repeatedly addressed Rohit as India’s captain while reflecting on the team’s recent achievements. The comment drew a warm smile from Rohit, instantly grabbing attention. Shah emphasised that leadership is defined by trophies, not titles, crediting Rohit for guiding India to two historic ICC triumphs.
Recalling the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where India dominated the tournament but fell short at the final hurdle. Shah spoke about how Rohit fulfilled a promise made in early 2024. Under his leadership, India went on to win the T20 World Cup later that year and the Champions Trophy in 2025.
“Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but couldn’t lift the trophy. In February 2024, I had said in Rajkot that in the next World Cup, we will win both hearts and the cup,” Shah said.
Rohit took charge as India’s full-time ODI captain in December 2021, leading the side in 56 matches and winning 42 of them. His tenure featured an Asia Cup title, a Champions Trophy win, and a runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup. In T20Is, he remains India’s most successful captain, with 49 wins from 62 matches and a remarkable win percentage exceeding 79 percent.
Meanwhile, Rohit has also been making headlines off the field. Ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, videos from his training session in Mumbai went viral. Looking noticeably leaner and sharper, the opener was seen effortlessly smashing straight sixes, fueling excitement and anticipation among fans.
Also Read: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s new look sends fans into frenzy
WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s viral smile says it all after Jay Shah’s captaincy comment
Star Indian batter Rohit Sharma once again found himself in the spotlight after a heartwarming moment at a recent ICC event, where chairman Jay Shah affectionately referred to him as India’s captain, despite the veteran no longer holding the role officially.
Rohit was replaced as India’s ODI skipper by Shubman Gill ahead of the Australia tour in October 2025, as selectors shifted focus toward building a squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 38, Rohit now continues purely as a specialist batter in the 50-over format, having already retired from Test and T20I cricket. While the leadership baton has been passed on, his impact as one of India’s most successful captains remains unquestionable.
During the ‘United in Triumph’ event, Jay Shah repeatedly addressed Rohit as India’s captain while reflecting on the team’s recent achievements. The comment drew a warm smile from Rohit, instantly grabbing attention. Shah emphasised that leadership is defined by trophies, not titles, crediting Rohit for guiding India to two historic ICC triumphs.
Recalling the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where India dominated the tournament but fell short at the final hurdle. Shah spoke about how Rohit fulfilled a promise made in early 2024. Under his leadership, India went on to win the T20 World Cup later that year and the Champions Trophy in 2025.
“Our captain is sitting here. I will call him captain only, as he has led the team to two ICC trophies. During the 2023 World Cup, after winning ten successive matches, we could only win hearts but couldn’t lift the trophy. In February 2024, I had said in Rajkot that in the next World Cup, we will win both hearts and the cup,” Shah said.
Rohit took charge as India’s full-time ODI captain in December 2021, leading the side in 56 matches and winning 42 of them. His tenure featured an Asia Cup title, a Champions Trophy win, and a runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup. In T20Is, he remains India’s most successful captain, with 49 wins from 62 matches and a remarkable win percentage exceeding 79 percent.
Meanwhile, Rohit has also been making headlines off the field. Ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, videos from his training session in Mumbai went viral. Looking noticeably leaner and sharper, the opener was seen effortlessly smashing straight sixes, fueling excitement and anticipation among fans.
Also Read: Watch: Rohit Sharma’s new look sends fans into frenzy