Jay Shah, former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary and current ICC President, talked highly of Rohit Sharma at a recent star-studded event in Mumbai. Although Rohit no longer has any leadership roles in any international format, Jay Shah stated that he will always refer to the top batter as his captain, citing Rohit’s two ICC titles for India. A video of the incident has circulated on social media.
After losing the 2023 World Cup final in heart-rending fashion as a veteran cricketer, India triumphed in two subsequent ICC white-ball events. Team India brings an end to their 11-year ICC title drought after clinching 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa India won the Champions Trophy in Dubai by defeating New Zealand in tournament decider in 2025.
During the ceremony, Shah stated:
“Hamaare captain idhar baithe hain. Main toh captain hee bolunga kyunki aap 2 trophy jeet ke laaye isliye. 2023 mein lagataar 10 jeet ke baad, hum dil jeete lekin trophy nahin jeet paaye. February 2024 mein maine Rajkot mein bola tha ki is baar hum dil bhi jeetenge aur cup bhi jeetenge.”
“(Our captain is sitting here. I will say captain because he made India win two consecutive trophies. In 2023, we won hearts but not the trophy after ten consecutive victories. I said in Rajkot in February 2024 that we will win both the trophy and hearts.)
The Nagpur-born cricketer withdrew from T20Is following the T20 World Cup 2024, while the BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as ODI skipper last year.
Rohit Sharma to return to action in ODI series against New Zealand
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, will be next seen in Team India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara. The explosive opener enjoyed another strong ODI in 2025, making 650 runs at 50 and a strike rate of 100.46 for the Tykes in his 14 outings.
Having ended 2025 as the world’s top-ranked ICC ODI batter, the right-hander will aim to extend his streak.
