Thu Oct 23 20:45:54 UTC 2025: Summary:

Rohit Sharma is no longer the captain of the Indian cricket team, with Shubman Gill taking over to lead the team towards the 2027 World Cup. However, Sharma’s leadership qualities were still on display during the second ODI against Australia when he offered advice to Washington Sundar. In the same match, Sharma surpassed Sourav Ganguly to become India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, scoring 73 runs off 97 balls.

News Article:

Gill Era Begins as Sharma Passes Ganguly in ODI Runs

MELBOURNE, October 23, 2025 – A new chapter has begun for the Indian cricket team as Shubman Gill takes over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The decision, announced prior to the ongoing Australia tour, signals a strategic shift towards a younger leader with the 2027 World Cup in sight.

While no longer at the helm, Rohit Sharma’s influence remains palpable. During the second ODI against Australia, Sharma was seen guiding Washington Sundar, demonstrating his continued commitment to the team’s success.

In the same match, Sharma achieved a significant milestone, surpassing Sourav Ganguly to become India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs. He played a measured innings, scoring 73 runs off 97 balls, including two towering sixes, before being dismissed.

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron commented, “The key for the off-spinner to the left-hander is to move the ball away from the batter and bowl a little slower.” He further added that, generally, captains come and tell the bowlers, ‘let the batter go for a hit.’

Sharma now has 11,249 runs in 275 ODIs, surpassing Ganguly’s 11,121 runs in 308 matches. He now trails only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs) and Virat Kohli (14,181 runs) in the all-time list of Indian ODI run-scorers. This year, Sharma has scored 383 runs in 10 innings at an average of 38.30.

The change in captaincy marks a new direction for the Indian team, but Sharma’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to be a valuable asset.

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