The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, confirmed on Sunday that Rohit Sharma will lead India in both the ICC Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship (WTC) final, set for 2025. This announcement follows a week after Rohit led India to a historic T20 World Cup victory against South Africa in Barbados.
Rohit Sharma’s Continued Leadership
In a video shared by the BCCI, Jay Shah recalled his confidence in Rohit Sharma, highlighting how Rohit helped India bounce back from their ODI World Cup final loss last November to achieve T20 World Cup glory. Shah expressed confidence that under Rohit’s captaincy, India will continue their winning streak in the upcoming ICC events.
India’s T20 World Cup Triumph
“On November 23, after winning 10 matches, we won hearts but not the Cup. I said in Rajkot that on June 29, we will win hearts, win the Cup, and hoist the flag in Barbados. And our captain hoisted it there,” Shah stated. “I am fully confident that our team, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, will become champions in the WTC final and the Champions Trophy.”
Split Captaincy Strategy
Shah’s comments suggest that India will follow a split captaincy approach until Rohit’s retirement. While Rohit will continue to lead the Test and ODI teams, Hardik Pandya is likely to take over the T20I duties following Rohit’s retirement from the format last year.
Champions Trophy and Hybrid Model
The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, will mark the tournament’s return after eight years. Although the draft schedule has been submitted, with India slated to face Pakistan in Karachi, the BCCI has not yet given its approval. The Indian board might push for a hybrid model, similar to the one used in the Asia Cup last year.
Dedication to Departing Cricketers and Coach
Shah also dedicated India’s T20 World Cup victory to outgoing coach Rahul Dravid and the three players who retired from the format after the win: Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma. “I want to dedicate this victory to coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja,” he said.
Upcoming Matches
The three retired players will return to action for the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. India will play six ODIs—three against Sri Lanka in an away series and three at home against England in early February—before the Champions Trophy.