The Champions Trophy 2025 final match is going to be very important for Rohit Sharma’s career. It is believed that after this tournament, Team India will get a new captain for the ODI format. Currently, there are two strong contenders for the captaincy role.
The final match of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 9, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In this match, Team India will face New Zealand. Many cricket experts believe that this match could be the last ICC tournament for Rohit Sharma as captain. After this match, Rohit Sharma may step down from captaincy and continue to play as a player. In such a situation, BCCI will have to choose a new captain for Team India in the ODI format.
Who Is the Strongest Contender for Captaincy?
According to reports, Rohit Sharma might leave the captaincy after the Champions Trophy 2025, but the final decision will depend on him. However, BCCI is planning to select a new captain keeping in mind the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Shubman Gill – The Current Vice-Captain
Currently, Shubman Gill is the vice-captain of the ODI team, and he is seen as a strong contender for the captaincy. Gill has been performing exceptionally well in recent matches, and his leadership quality has also been appreciated. However, Gill may not become the captain directly because there is another strong contender in the race.
Hardik Pandya – The Experienced Captain
The second biggest contender for the captaincy is Hardik Pandya. Hardik has already captained Team India in T20 matches and has shown excellent leadership skills. He has also proved his ability to lead the team under pressure. If the selectors trust Hardik Pandya, then Shubman Gill might continue as the vice-captain.
However, there is a possibility that if Hardik is not preferred for the ODI captaincy, then the BCCI may consider another senior player, KL Rahul.
KL Rahul – The Third Option
KL Rahul is also a strong contender for the captaincy. He has previously captained Team India in various series and has good experience as a leader. Although his performance in recent series was not very impressive, he is still in the race for captaincy.
If BCCI wants to give a fresh start to the team with a young captain, then Shubman Gill might get the chance. On the other hand, if they want an experienced captain, Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul could be selected.
Will Rohit Sharma Announce His Retirement?
Many reports suggest that Rohit Sharma may announce his retirement from ODI captaincy after the Champions Trophy 2025. This is because Rohit Sharma will turn 39 years old by the time of the 2027 ODI World Cup, and it will be very difficult for him to lead the team in that tournament.
In 2024, after winning the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma had already announced his retirement from T20I cricket. Similarly, after the Champions Trophy 2025, he might step down as the ODI captain. However, he may continue playing as a player if his fitness and form allow.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy 2025 final is not just important for Team India, but it will also mark the end of an era of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in the ODI format. The race for the next captain is mainly between Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, while KL Rahul is also a backup option. BCCI will soon announce its decision after the final match. Now the big question is — Who will lead Team India in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
