Published on: Oct 7, 2025 4:45 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 7, 2025 4:45 pm IST
Decorated Indian batting stalwart Rohit Sharma’s tenure as Indian ODI skipper may have officially concluded, but his legacy is etched in golden letters and remains second to none. With a staggering winning percentage of 76%, Rohit has ended his captaincy tenure as India’s most successful ODI skipper in terms of winning ratio.
The baton has been passed to young right-hand batter, Shubman Gill, who is now captaining the Indian side in ODI and Test cricket.
Talking about Rohit’s legacy as the ODI skipper, the astounding leader led India through a transformative phase in white-ball cricket. From continental dominance to global finals, here are his six most defining achievements of Rohit, the Indian ODI skipper.
Rohit Sharma was at the forefront when regular skipper Virat Kohli missed the 2018 Asia Cup due to injury. Sharma was at the helm of things, leading the Indian side in his first multi-nation tournament. Afghanistan gave the Indian team a scare by tying the game, but besides that game, Team India had an undefeated run and won the Asia Cup for the 7th time by defeating Bangladesh in a closely fought game by 3 wickets.
Rohit Sharma’s leadership peaked during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India clinched the title with clinical performances. The team dominated throughout the tournament, defeating the likes of Pakistan and Sri Lanka convincingly. Rohit’s captaincy was marked by smart bowling rotations, aggressive field placements, and a fearless batting approach. His own contributions with the bat added stability at the top, setting the tone for India’s campaign.
One of Rohit’s most commendable feats was guiding India to the final of the 2023 World Cup held at home. India remained unbeaten in the group stage, showcasing dominance against top-tier teams, but a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final brushed aside all the good work Team India did to reach the final juncture.
Rohit led from the front, scoring brisk runs and making bold decisions under pressure. Though India fell short against Australia in the final, the campaign was hailed as one of the most consistent and entertaining runs for Team India in World Cup history.
Rohit Sharma ended India’s ICC trophy drought in ODIs by lifting the 2025 Champions Trophy. India defeated New Zealand in the final, with Rohit scoring a match-winning 76. His captaincy throughout the tournament was lauded for its composure and adaptability. This victory not only added another feather to his cap but also made him the only captain in world cricket to win two ICC trophies in a span of 8 months.
Across 56 ODIs as captain, Rohit Sharma registered 42 wins, 12 losses, 1 no result, and 1 tie, boasting a winning percentage of 76%, the highest among Indian ODI skippers. His ability to maintain consistency across formats and conditions made him one of the most reliable leaders in Indian cricket history.
Rohit’s captaincy wasn’t just about winning trophies—it was about building a team for the future. He backed emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj, giving them confidence and exposure in high-pressure games. His mentorship laid the foundation for India’s next generation, ensuring a smooth leadership transition to Shubman Gill ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy era may have ended, but his achievements continue to inspire. From lifting trophies to nurturing future stars, his leadership was a blend of tactical brilliance and emotional intelligence. As India moves forward under Shubman Gill, Rohit’s legacy will remain a benchmark for white-ball excellence.