Subhechcha Ganguly 
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has shut down the buzz around Shreyas Iyer being in contention for India’s ODI captaincy, clarifying that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already zeroed in on Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma’s successor in the 50-over format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra addressed the swirling rumours of Iyer potentially leading India in the 2027 World Cup. “Good question, because the rumour markets are hot. It was said that Shreyas Iyer would become the captain, that he would pip Shubman Gill to the post. Sir, from where do you get it? In my opinion, the next captain has been decided without appointment. It has been decided that it would be Shubman Gill,” Chopra said.
Gill’s leadership graph has been on a steep rise. In his maiden stint as Test captain, he led India to a 2-2 series draw in England, amassing 754 runs in a historic batting display. He was also reinstated as T20I vice-captain, strengthening the impression that the young opener is being groomed to take charge across formats.
“He is the Test captain. He has been made T20I vice-captain… If he has been made the T20I vice-captain, he is already the ODI vice-captain. So don’t ask the question. Shubman Gill is going to be the next captain,” Chopra added.
With growing responsibilities and consistent performances, Gill now appears firmly set to take over the ODI reins once Rohit Sharma steps aside, effectively quashing speculation around Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy prospects.
