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Rohit Sharma‘s reign as India‘s ODI captain has come to a fitting end — one marked by consistency, trophies, and unmatched success. With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee officially appointing Shubman Gill as the new skipper ahead of the Australia tour, Rohit’s illustrious chapter as leader of the 50-over side draws to a close. From guiding India to multiple titles to maintaining one of the highest win percentages in ODI history, his captaincy era will be remembered as one of India’s finest.
The decision follows Rohit’s gradual transition away from leadership roles across formats. Having retired from T20Is after leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in the Caribbean and stepping down from Tests in May 2025, Rohit now continues as a senior player in ODIs, focusing solely on his batting as India prepares for a new era under Gill’s leadership.
A record unmatched in India’s cricketing history
Notably, Rohit leaves behind an extraordinary record as India’s ODI captain. Under his leadership, India won 42 of the 56 matches, boasting an exceptional win percentage of 75%. Among captains who have led in at least 50 ODIs, only West Indies legend Clive Lloyd (76.2%) has a better record — a testament to Rohit’s tactical brilliance and consistency.
Rohit’s tenure was defined by a balance between attacking intent and calm composure. He backed his players, built match-winners around him, and guided India to multiple trophies, including two Asia Cups and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Best win% as ODI captain (50+ matches)
| Captain | Mat | Won | Lost | Others | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clive Lloyd | 84 | 64 | 18 | 2 | 76.2 |
| Rohit Sharma | 56 | 42 | 12 | 2 | 75.0 |
| Ricky Ponting | 230 | 165 | 51 | 14 | 71.7 |
| Hansie Cronje | 138 | 99 | 35 | 4 | 71.7 |
| Virat Kohli | 95 | 65 | 27 | 3 | 68.4 |
Rohit’s captaincy phase was a continuation of India’s golden run in ODIs but also a leap forward in terms of consistency. His ability to inspire match-winning partnerships, particularly with emerging players, shaped India into one of the most formidable limited-overs units in the world.
King of multi-nation tournaments
Perhaps Rohit’s greatest legacy lies in his success at multi-nation events. His win percentage of 88.8% in such tournaments is the best among captains who have led in at least 20 matches. India’s triumphs under his guidance include the 2018 and 2023 Asia Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy, with the team narrowly missing out in the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing runners-up.
Out of 27 matches across multi-nation events, India won 24 and lost only two. This dominance underlined Rohit’s exceptional ability to prepare his team for high-stakes matches and deliver under pressure.
Best win% in multi-nation ODI events (20+ matches)
| Captain | Mat | Won | Lost | Others | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 27 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 88.8 |
| Ricky Ponting | 45 | 38 | 5 | 2 | 84.4 |
| Clive Lloyd | 20 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 80.0 |
| MS Dhoni | 32 | 24 | 5 | 3 | 75.0 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 24 | 18 | 6 | 0 | 75.0 |
| Imran Khan | 35 | 25 | 10 | 0 | 71.4 |
A proud Asia Cup record and individual milestones
Rohit stands joint-most successful captain in Asia Cup ODIs, alongside MS Dhoni and Arjuna Ranatunga. He captained India in 11 matches in the continental event, winning nine of them. His calm leadership was instrumental in India’s unbeaten runs during both the 2018 and 2023 editions.
On a personal front, Rohit also joined an elite list by becoming one of only two players to score a double century in ODIs as captain. His unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka in Mohali (2017)* came in just his second game as captain, matching the rare feat achieved earlier by Virender Sehwag (219 vs West Indies, 2011).
Legacy beyond numbers
Beyond the staggering statistics, Rohit’s captaincy was marked by a sense of calmness and clarity. His man-management skills, ability to rotate bowlers effectively, and emphasis on team unity made him a player’s captain.
Under his guidance, India not only won trophies but also groomed a new generation of stars like Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Mohammed Siraj. As Rohit passes the baton to Gill, he leaves behind a legacy of unmatched success and leadership — one that will serve as a benchmark for India’s future captains.
