Wasim Jaffer has expressed his view that Rohit Sharma should have remained India’s ODI captain beyond his October 2025 departure from the role. Shubman Gill took over the captaincy following Sharma’s exit, but Jaffer believes the timing of the transition was premature. The former India batter has suggested that Sharma’s experience and availability should have been prioritised in the leadership structure.
Jaffer’s perspective reflects his assessment of Sharma’s continued form and value to the team. The former batter made his position clear in comments published on October 8, 2026, addressing both Sharma’s ODI captaincy and his role at Mumbai Indians.
“Rohit Sharma should have been retained as the ODI captain. He should have also remained the captain of Mumbai Indians. I won’t say the decision was completely wrong, as Shubman Gill has done well, but when you have someone like Rohit Sharma available, he should be the captain. You can always pass the baton to Shubman Gill after the 50-over World Cup,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Rohit’s recent form in West Indies ODIs
Rohit’s recent performances in ODI cricket underline his continued form at the international level. During the West Indies series, Rohit was India’s second-highest run-scorer with 225 runs across three innings at an average of 75.00, striking at a rate exceeding 115. He scored 32 in the opening match, followed by 101 and 92 in the remaining fixtures, demonstrating consistent batting across the series.
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Rohit’s career ODI statistics and 2026 performance
Rohit’s overall ODI record reflects his standing as one of India’s premier batsmen. He has accumulated 12,120 runs in 291 ODIs across 283 innings at an average of 49.26, with 35 centuries and 63 fifties to his name. His best ODI score stands at 264. In 2026 alone, Rohit has scored 604 runs across 12 innings at an average of 50.33 with a strike rate of 104.67, including two centuries and two fifties, with a best score of 138 in the calendar year.
Rohit is scheduled to feature in India’s upcoming ODI fixtures against New Zealand, with the five-match series commencing from November 4 away from home. Following that tour, Rohit will be part of the squad for three ODIs against Sri Lanka at home starting from December 13. These assignments will provide further opportunities for Rohit to add to his run tally and demonstrate his continued relevance in the ODI format.
