Indian cricket veteran Rohit Sharma has entertained fans with a humorous take on his relationship with India’s current white-ball captains, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. During an episode of his television show, Family Full House with Rohit Sharma, the former India captain joked that he would need to stay on good terms with both players to keep his future cricketing ambitions alive.
Rohit’s light-hearted comments come as Indian cricket undergoes a leadership transition across formats, with Gill leading the ODI side and Iyer taking charge of the T20I team.
Rohit Sharma’s Funny Take on Gill and Iyer’s Captaincy
Speaking on his show, Rohit pointed out that both Gill and Iyer now hold leadership positions in Indian cricket. He jokingly explained that maintaining a good relationship with each captain would be important for his plans.
“Both are captains of India now,” Rohit said. He added that he wanted to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, making it necessary to keep Gill happy. He then joked that if he wanted to return to T20I cricket after the World Cup, he would need to stay in Iyer’s good books as well.
Rohit concluded that he needed the support of both players.
The remark highlighted the changing leadership structure in Indian cricket while reflecting Rohit’s trademark sense of humour.
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer Lead India’s White-Ball Teams
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced changes to the leadership of the national team over the past two years. Gill was appointed India’s ODI captain in October 2025, replacing Rohit despite the senior batter having led the team to the Champions Trophy title earlier that year.
In June 2026, Iyer was appointed T20I captain, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav, who had guided India to victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Rohit, meanwhile, retired from T20I cricket following the 2024 World Cup and brought his Test career to an end in May 2025. He now plays exclusively in the ODI format.
The veteran batter has also expressed support for the younger generation of leaders. In early October 2026, he praised Gill’s “great cricketing brain”, underlining his confidence in the young captain.
Rohit Sharma’s Return for India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026
Rohit is set to return to action for India’s upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The tour will see him play under both Gill and Iyer, with the captaincy changing hands during the series.
Gill will lead India in the first three matches before stepping aside to prepare for the subsequent Test series. Iyer will captain the side in the final two ODIs.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2026 Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Captain | Start time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | November 4 | Eden Park, Auckland | Shubman Gill | 7:30 AM |
| 2nd ODI | November 7 | Sky Stadium, Wellington | Shubman Gill | 7:30 AM |
| 3rd ODI | November 10 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | Shubman Gill | 7:30 AM |
| 4th ODI | November 13 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | Shreyas Iyer | 7:30 AM |
| 5th ODI | November 15 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | Shreyas Iyer | 7:30 AM |
Focus Shifts to the 2027 ODI World Cup
The New Zealand series will provide an opportunity to see how Rohit’s experience fits alongside the leadership of Gill and Iyer. With preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in focus, the series will be an important part of India’s ongoing ODI campaign.
Rohit’s comments about keeping both captains happy have added a humorous touch to the leadership transition. While the veteran opener has made his ambitions clear through his remarks, the upcoming matches will bring renewed attention to his role in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.