Brad Haddin says Shubman Gill taking over ODI captaincy may allow Rohit Sharma to focus more freely
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin believes that Shubman Gill’s appointment.
As India’s ODI captain could help Rohit Sharma play with more freedom when he returns to the 50-over format. Gill will lead India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19.
This will be the first time since 2021 that Rohit will feature in an ODI without the added responsibility of captaincy, having earlier guided India to the Champions Trophy title this year. Ahead of the series, Haddin urged fans to turn out in large numbers to watch Rohit and Virat Kohli in action, suggesting it might be the final time the iconic pair play in Australia.
“Get out and watch them (Rohit and Virat). They are legends of the game, and I think this will be the last time they’re on our shores. Don’t miss the opportunity. You’ve got (Shubman) Gill as captain now — that might free Rohit Sharma up to just play,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast.
Haddin also heaped praise on India’s young batting star Abhishek Sharma, who impressed with his explosive performances during the 2025 Asia Cup. He said the left-hander is a player worth watching live.
“Abhishek Sharma — pay your money to go watch him. He’s exciting and unpredictable, and you’re always in for a catch. He’s the No.1 ranked T20I batter in the world after a short sample of games for India. He’s worth every bit of attention,” Haddin added.
Abhishek finished as the top run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2025, amassing 314 runs in six innings at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 200.00. The 25-year-old, who was named Player of the Tournament in India’s unbeaten campaign, has now climbed to the top of the ICC T20I batting rankings.
In 24 T20Is so far, Abhishek has scored 849 runs at an average of 36.91 and a strike rate of 196.07, with two centuries and five half-centuries — his highest being 135. The upcoming series will test his skills against Australia’s pace-friendly conditions.
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