The Captaincy Crisis: Why India is Calling for the Return of Rohit Sharma and the Ousting of Shubman Gill

The landscape of Indian cricket is currently trembling under the weight of a monumental leadership debate. Just as the dust begins to settle on a historic and harrowing home ODI series defeat against New Zealand, a chorus of voices—led by former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary—is demanding a radical “course correction.” The central theme of this brewing storm is simple yet explosive: Shubman Gill must be stripped of the ODI captaincy, and the “Hitman,” Rohit Sharma, must be reinstated to lead India into the 2027 World Cup.

This isn’t merely a reaction to a single loss; it is a reflection of a deeper anxiety regarding the direction of the national team. In a scathing judgment that has resonated across the cricketing world, Tiwary has asserted that the BCCI’s experiment with youthful leadership is failing at a critical juncture. The transition, which began in October 2025, was intended to usher in a new era. Instead, it has led to back-to-back series defeats under Gill’s watch, including a capitulation in Australia and a first-ever home series loss to the Black Caps on Indian soil.

The Harsh Judgment: Manoj Tiwary’s Call to Action

Manoj Tiwary, known for his candid assessments, didn’t mince words when speaking to InsideSport. His argument is built on the premise that a World Cup is too precious to be used as a training ground for an inexperienced captain.

“Yes, absolutely. That’s what I’m suggesting because there’s still time to course correct. It’s about the World Cup. It’s not just about a bilateral series or a random tournament we are going to play,” Tiwary stated.

Tiwary’s critique goes beyond just the results. He points to a palpable difference in tactical maturity between the incumbent and the veteran. To Tiwary, Rohit Sharma isn’t just a “slightly better” option; he is “considerably better.” The rationale is simple: Rohit has “been there and done it.” Having led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 and a dominating Champions Trophy victory in 2025, Rohit’s pedigree as a leader is unquestioned. Tiwary believes that had Rohit been at the helm during the recent New Zealand series, the outcome would have been flipped, and India’s proud home record would still be intact.

The Shubman Gill Tenure: A Difficult Initiation

Shubman Gill’s ascent to the captaincy in October 2025 was seen as a bold step toward the future. At just 26, he was handed the reins of both the Test and ODI sides. However, the honeymoon period ended almost before it began.

1. The Australian Heartbreak (October 2025)

Gill’s debut series as ODI captain took place in Australia—a trial by fire for any leader. India lost the series 2-1. While Gill himself performed decently with the bat, his tactical decisions under pressure were scrutinized. Critics noted a lack of proactive field placements and an inability to stem the flow of runs once Australian batters found their rhythm.

2. The South African Anomaly

Interestingly, India did find success in the interim, winning a home series against South Africa 2-1 in December 2025. However, Gill was absent for this series due to a neck injury. The team was led by KL Rahul, further complicating the narrative. The fact that India won without Gill but struggled with him suggested to some that the “Gill Factor” was not yet a positive one for the team’s leadership dynamics.

3. The New Zealand Disaster (January 2026)

The tipping point arrived in the three-match series against New Zealand. After winning the first match in Vadodara, India collapsed. They lost in Rajkot and then suffered a final, humiliating 41-run defeat in Indore. This wasn’t just any loss; it marked the first time in history that New Zealand had won an ODI series on Indian soil.

New Zealand, missing several regular stars, managed to outplay a full-strength Indian side. Tactics during the middle overs—specifically the under-utilization of Kuldeep Yadav—drew fire from veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin noted that Gill seemed “cautious” and lacked a “Plan B” when New Zealand’s middle order, led by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, began to dominate.

Rohit Sharma: The Shadow of a Great Leader

The ghost of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy continues to haunt the current setup. Rohit retired from Tests in May 2025 but remained available for ODIs. His 2025 season was nothing short of legendary:

• Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit led India to a second Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand in the final.
• ICC Rankings: In October 2025, he achieved the No. 1 ODI batter ranking for the first time in his career.
• 20,000 Runs: He became only the fourth Indian to cross 20,000 international runs.

The question Tiwary and many fans are asking is: Why change what wasn’t broken? Rohit’s leadership style—characterized by calm under pressure and a deep understanding of resource management—seems to be exactly what this current team is missing. Tiwary argues that while you could theoretically win a World Cup under Gill, the probability shifts from a gamble to a near-certainty (85-90%) if Rohit is back in charge.

The Tactical Void: Why Gill is Struggling

Experts have pointed to several key areas where Gill’s captaincy has been found wanting compared to the “Dhoni-Rohit” standard:

• Bowling Rotations: In the Indore ODI, New Zealand’s 219-run partnership between Mitchell and Phillips was allowed to grow without significant tactical shifts. Ashwin criticized the lack of “short, aggressive spells” for wicket-taking bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav.
• Resource Management: Great captains are defined by their ability to anticipate a batter’s move. Critics feel Gill is currently “reactionary”—making changes after the damage is done rather than preventing it.
• Pressure Management: Losing a home series to a second-string New Zealand side suggests a mental fragility in the leadership group. Rohit’s ability to absorb pressure and keep the squad focused is a trait Gill has yet to develop.

The Path to 2027: To Stick or To Twist?

The BCCI now finds itself at a crossroads. On one hand, they have a stated goal of “preparing youngsters for the future.” Sacking Gill now would be a public admission that the transition was premature. On the other hand, the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia is the ultimate goal. If the team continues to lose bilateral series at home, the confidence of the squad could be shattered long before they reach the African continent.

The upcoming five-match T20I series and the subsequent IPL 2026 season will be crucial. If Gill can turn things around, the noise may fade. But if the “flat response” noted by Ashwin continues, the BCCI may have no choice but to listen to Tiwary’s advice.

A Leadership Identity Crisis

Indian cricket is currently suffering from a leadership identity crisis. Is it a team in transition, willing to accept losses in exchange for long-term growth? Or is it a powerhouse that demands victory at all costs, especially at home?

Manoj Tiwary’s “harsh judgment” has brought this debate to the forefront. By suggesting that Rohit Sharma is “a lot better” than Shubman Gill, he has challenged the very foundation of the BCCI’s current strategy. As we move closer to the 2027 World Cup, the pressure on the selectors to “course correct” will only intensify. Whether they choose the stability of the “Hitman” or the potential of the “Prince” remains the most important question in Indian cricket today.