Shreyas Iyer’s growing leadership role in Indian cricket has sparked speculation about him taking charge of the ODI side, but the latest official squad announcement confirms that Shubman Gill will continue as India’s captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies.
The series is scheduled to begin on September 27, with the remaining matches to be played on September 30 and October 3. Iyer has not been included in the ODI squad, as he is leading India’s T20I team during the same period.
Shubman Gill to Lead India in ODIs
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Gill as captain for the West Indies ODI series. Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have also been included in the squad, while KL Rahul has been named vice-captain.
The three-match series will give India another opportunity to build its ODI combination ahead of future international commitments. With several experienced players in the squad, the team will have a mix of established international experience and younger options.
Shreyas Iyer’s New Leadership Role
While Iyer will not captain India in the upcoming ODIs, his leadership responsibilities have expanded significantly in 2026. The BCCI appointed him as India’s T20I captain earlier this year, replacing Suryakumar Yadav.
Iyer subsequently led India in T20I assignments, including the series against Zimbabwe. His appointment marked an important development in his international leadership career.
He had previously served as India’s ODI vice-captain and has also captained at domestic and franchise level. The BCCI had named him vice-captain of the ODI squad during earlier 2026 assignments under Gill.
Why Iyer Is Missing the West Indies ODIs
According to the latest squad information, Iyer is unavailable for the West Indies ODI series because of his involvement with India’s T20I commitments. He is scheduled to lead the T20I team, with India’s T20 matches against the West Indies beginning in October.
This means the current captaincy structure remains split by format, with Gill leading the Test and ODI teams while Iyer heads the T20I side. A recent analysis of Indian cricket noted that the team has increasingly moved toward a format-specific leadership structure.
What Lies Ahead for Iyer
Iyer’s elevation to T20I captain gives him an opportunity to establish himself as a leader at the international level. However, there is currently no official confirmation that he will replace Gill as India’s ODI captain.
For now, Gill remains in charge of the ODI team, while Iyer’s immediate focus is on his T20I responsibilities. The contrasting roles underline India’s evolving approach to leadership across formats as the team manages a busy international schedule.
