Jay Shah confirms Rohit Sharma’s future as ODI, Test captain as 2025 WTC, Champions Trophy loom

BCCI secretary Jay Shah released a video, thanking the Indian Team for their best efforts and for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the Americas. Shah also put aside all the rumours of a change in captaincy following the appointment of a new head coach by confirming that longer-format skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs and Tests.

Shah added that Team India’s next target is winning the World Test Championship Final and the Champions Trophy, both scheduled for next year, under Rohit's leadership.

In a one-minute-plus-long video, Shah congratulated the Men in Blue for this historic win in Barbados, where they beat South Africa by seven runs in the final. Shah dedicated Team India’s second world title to former coach Rahul Dravid and three players who announced their T20I retirements – Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.

Shah said it was Team India’s third final in the last year. India lost the WTC Final (in June) and the 50-over World Cup Final a few months later in November to Australia on both occasions. Shah added after those two losses, he committed that the Rohit-led Indian Team would turn the tables in June this year in the T20 WC by winning it, which eventually happened.

He also congratulated the bowling attack that kept its cool and won the match from a losing position in the finale.

Rohit to lead in WTC and CT

Confirming Rohit Sharma’s participation as the Team India captain for the coming two ICC events scheduled in 2025 – the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy, Shah said he believes that under Rohit’s leadership, Team India will again stand tall in those tournaments and lift the respective trophies.

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Meanwhile, India sits in the top position in the current WTC standings, with six wins from nine matches and a PCT of 68.52.

Considering India’s home season, which includes Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and an overseas tour Down Under, they have a stronger chance of staying at the top and qualifying for the WTC Final for the record third-straight time.

Besides, regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, neither the Indian Govt. nor the BCCI have confirmed Team India’s participation, owing to tense relations between the two countries.

However, per the latest reports, should India travel to Pakistan, they will play all of their matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, including the semis and the finale, should they reach that far. Reports also suggest that India is placed in Group A alongside the hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.

(With inputs from agencies)