Indian cricket stands at the cusp of a revolutionary phase, embracing a bold strategy of split captaincy across three formats. Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, prompted by back-to-back series losses against New Zealand and Australia, has led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) shift towards this strategy.
This "horses for courses" approach, following Rohit’s Test retirement, has catalyzed the BCCI’s vision of split captaincy, with three different leaders poised to take charge across the formats.
As India's cricketing landscape adjusts to this transition, this article explores the captains leading India in ODIs, T20Is and Tests, highlighting their roles and the BCCI’s forward-thinking blueprint.
Advertisement
Also read: Who Will Step into Virat Kohli’s Shoes at No. 4 for India in England Tests?
Who is India’s Captain in ODI Format?
Rohit Sharma continues to reign as India’s ODI captain, a role he is expected to hold through the 2027 World Cup. Rohit’s ODI captaincy record speaks volumes of his tactical acumen and ability to anchor high-pressure campaigns.
The 38-year-old took India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, that they lost to Australia. He then led the team to a title in the Champions Trophy 2025 as India defeated New Zealand in the final in Dubai.
His ability to mentor young talents like Shubman Gill, the vice-captain, ensures a smooth transition when he eventually steps down.
Who is India’s Captain in T20I Format?
Suryakumar Yadav is India’s T20I captain, a role he has embraced with flair since taking over post the 2024 T20 World Cup. Appointed to lead a new-look T20 side after Rohit’s T20I retirement, Suryakumar’s innovative batting and sharp cricketing mind make him a natural fit for the shortest format.
Suryakumar assumed India’s full-time T20I captaincy against Sri Lanka in 2024. So far, he has won every series he has led India in as a full-time skipper. With Axar Patel as his deputy, Suryakumar is tasked with maintaining India’s T20 dominance, ensuring the team remains a global powerhouse.
Advertisement
Who is India's Captain in Test Format?
The Test captaincy, vacated by Rohit, is poised to be claimed by Shubman, with Rishabh Pant as his likely vice-captain, bringing a youthful revolution in India’s red-ball set-up.
Reports indicate that Shubman is the front-runner to lead India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, marking the start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Also read: Virat Kohli informed Ajit Agarkar about wanting to retire from Tests in April: Report
