Rohit Sharma’s 2024 ended on a tough note, and 2025 hasn’t been any kinder. Just as the New Year was about to dawn, the spotlight once again shifted to Rohit’s Test cricket future, this time after his poor show in the Melbourne Test. The buzz surrounding his Test career reached new heights on Friday when it was confirmed that Rohit had “opted out” of the decider of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Sydney, with his recent form under scrutiny.
Rohit’s Test Career Remains A Question Mark
So far, Rohit has not made an official statement about his future in Test cricket, increasing speculation regarding his role in the national team. This uncertainty has opened the door for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider alternative leadership options, especially with the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in mind. Rohit had already stepped down from T20Is in June 2024 after India’s T20 World Cup win, and Suryakumar Yadav succeeded him as the T20I captain. In Test cricket, it is Jasprit Bumrah who earlier had led India to a comfortable win in Perth. Now, he has emerged as the favourite to succeed the captain in the longest format.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma’s SHOCKING Decision: Will This Mark The End Of His Test Career?
Hardik Pandya Likely To Be India’s Captain In Champions Trophy 2025
With the uncertainty over Rohit’s future increasing, even leadership changes in the one-day format are also under consideration at the BCCI. If questions arise over the position of the ODI captain in Rohit or if selectors choose to curb the 37-year-old cricketer’s responsibilities, it will be none other than Hardik Pandya who may be presented with the chance to take the helm. Two years of captaincy in the two limited-over formats have adequately equipped Pandya to take charge of the reins.
“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 MyKhel.
‘Shubman Gill Needs More Grooming’
India has generally opposed split captaincy, but things are different today. Suryakumar Yadav, T20I skipper, does not have any fixed position in the ODI team, making it unlikely to see him emerge as the next 50-over skipper for India. Names that have come forth for ODI are other players like Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, however, Shubman Gill requires more time before he could finally be seen to be at his mature level. Hence, there seems a probability that in this 50-over game, Rohit could possibly be replaced by Hardik Pandya.
“Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable,” the source added.
The Transition Under Coach Gautam Gambhir
India seems to be going through a transition phase under the helm of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Leadership across formats is being carefully evaluated with Rohit Sharma’s future in the national team still hanging in balance. The BCCI has already started planning for the worst, anticipating a change of guard in India’s cricket leadership.
