The recent removal of Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain has sparked considerable debate and discussion within the cricketing fraternity. While Shubman Gill has been appointed as his successor, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has voiced a significant concern regarding Sharma's future in the team. Uthappa's worry stems from the potential difficulty in dropping a player of Sharma's stature, especially after having served as captain.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Gill as the ODI captain ahead of India's tour of Australia, a decision that has been described as part of a larger plan focusing on the future of the team and Gill getting settled in the role before the 2027 World Cup. While Sharma led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the selectors have emphasized the importance of looking ahead and developing the next generation of leaders.

Uthappa has supported BCCI's decision, while also noting Sharma's age as a factor for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also alluded to a situation during a tour of Australia where Sharma, despite being captain, had to drop himself due to poor form. Uthappa expressed his hope that Sharma would remain fit to avoid such "uncomfortable situations," emphasizing that Sharma is too talented to experience such setbacks again.

Despite the change in leadership, the selectors have made it clear that Sharma remains a key player in the ODI team. Ajit Agarkar, the Chief selector, stated that the decision was not due to Sharma's performance and that he would continue to play as an opening batsman and provide guidance as a senior team member. Gill also praised Sharma's calmness and team-building skills.

However, some have criticized the decision to remove Sharma as captain. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh admitted to being "a bit disappointed" with the move, especially given Sharma's stellar record in white-ball cricket. He acknowledged Gill's leadership in Test cricket but felt that Sharma deserved to continue as captain, particularly with the upcoming tour of Australia. Manoj Tiwary, another former India player, went as far as to call the decision a "humiliation" and suggested that Sharma should consider retirement. Tiwary argued that Sharma is not in the plans of the current team management and that his future would depend on his performance.

Sharma's record as a captain is indeed impressive. He is only the second captain after MS Dhoni to have multiple ICC trophies to his name for India, having won the T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. He also led Mumbai Indians to five Indian Premier League titles. During his tenure as India's full-time ODI captain, he led India in 56 ODIs, securing 42 wins.

It has been reported that Sharma is unhappy with the decision to remove him as captain. There were also reports that Sharma didn't respond to Agarkar's suggestion of playing in the India A series against Australia A.