Manoj Tiwary Demands Shubman Gill’s ODI Captaincy Ax, Calls for Rohit Sharma’s Return

Ex-India cricketer calls for Shubman Gill's removal as ODI captain

The calm after the storm of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy victory has been shattered by a bombshell from within the Indian cricketing fraternity. Former international cricketer **Manoj Tiwary** has publicly called for the immediate removal of **Shubman Gill** as India’s ODI captain, advocating for the swift return of the legendary **Rohit Sharma**.

This bold statement has ignited a fierce debate across the cricketing world, questioning the timing and wisdom of the leadership transition that took place just months ago. With the next ODI World Cup on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Is Tiwary’s call a necessary course correction or a premature judgment on a young leader?

Table of Contents

The Tiwary Critique: Why Gill Must Go

Manoj Tiwary’s criticism is not a gentle nudge but a full-throated demand for change. His core argument hinges on two main points: **experience** and **proven success**. Tiwary believes that the decision to replace Rohit Sharma, a captain with an unparalleled trophy cabinet, was a colossal mistake made in haste .

He argues that while Shubman Gill is a phenomenal talent with a bright future, the immense pressure of leading a World Cup campaign is a different beast altogether. According to Tiwary, the team stands a “significantly higher chance of victory” under Rohit’s seasoned command, whose tactical acumen and calm demeanor in high-stakes situations are unmatched .

Tiwary’s comments come on the heels of some perceived tactical missteps during India’s recent ODI series, where critics felt Gill appeared passive while opposition teams built crucial partnerships, raising serious questions about his leadership under pressure .

Shubman Gill ODI Captain: A Record Under Scrutiny

Appointed as the 28th ODI captain for India in October 2025, Shubman Gill’s ascension was seen by many as a natural “coronation” following a stellar 2025, which included a Champions Trophy win [[15], [17]]. However, his initial foray into full-time captaincy has been met with mixed results and intense scrutiny.

Critics have pointed to his bowling rotations, field placements, and overall game management as areas of concern, especially in the face of adversity . While his personal batting form remains strong—amassing 490 ODI runs at an average of 49 in 2025 —the captaincy burden appears to be a separate challenge.

His ODI captaincy debut against Australia in October 2025 did not go as planned, and subsequent series have only amplified the debate surrounding his leadership style . It’s a classic case of a brilliant player being thrust into a complex leadership role before his time, according to his detractors.

Rohit Sharma’s Legendary ODI Captaincy Legacy

The man Tiwary wants back is no ordinary leader. Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy record is nothing short of spectacular. In his 56 matches as captain, he led India to a staggering 42 victories against just 12 losses, boasting a win percentage of 75%—the highest among all Indian captains who have led in 50 or more matches [[19], [21], [23]].

Under his stewardship, India claimed major ICC silverware, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, along with two Asia Cups . His ability to manage a diverse dressing room, make bold tactical calls, and inspire his team in crunch moments cemented his status as one of the greatest white-ball captains in history.

Tiwary’s plea is essentially a call to return to this proven formula of success, arguing that the stability and experience Rohit provides are invaluable assets that cannot be overlooked in a World Cup year.

The Bigger Picture: Leadership in the World Cup Context

This controversy isn’t just about individual performances; it’s about the strategic direction of Indian cricket. The BCCI now faces a critical dilemma:

  1. Stick with the Future: Back the young, talented Shubman Gill, allowing him time to grow into the role despite early stumbles, betting on long-term stability.
  2. Return to Proven Success: Reinstall Rohit Sharma for one last World Cup hurrah, leveraging his unmatched experience and winning mentality for an immediate title shot.

For fans and fantasy cricket enthusiasts [[INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket]], this debate adds a layer of complexity to team selection. Who is the more reliable leader for a high-pressure tournament? The established winner or the promising successor?

This situation also highlights the immense pressure on modern-day captains, where every decision is dissected in real-time on social media and by former players like Tiwary, who feel a sense of responsibility to guide the team’s path .

Conclusion: Is a Change on the Horizon?

Manoj Tiwary’s public call for Shubman Gill’s removal as ODI captain has thrown Indian cricket into a state of flux. While Gill’s individual brilliance is unquestionable, his early captaincy tenure has faced valid criticism regarding tactical nous and on-field aggression. On the other side stands Rohit Sharma, a captain with a glittering resume and a proven track record of winning the biggest trophies.

The BCCI’s decision will signal their philosophy: a patient investment in the future or a pragmatic push for immediate glory. One thing is certain: the spotlight on the Shubman Gill ODI captain experiment has never been brighter, and the entire cricketing world is watching to see how this high-stakes drama unfolds.

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