Shubman Gill Champions Trophy Error Sparks Controversy

By Ananya Rao / 17.03.2026

The wider picture

Shubman Gill has been groomed as a deputy and led the Indian side during the tour of Zimbabwe, but Rohit Sharma was the undisputed captain throughout the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign. This context is crucial to understanding the recent controversy that erupted during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, where a significant error occurred.

During the awards ceremony, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mistakenly credited Shubman Gill as the captain of the Indian team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This misrepresentation is particularly striking given that Rohit Sharma was the actual captain who led the team to victory against New Zealand in the tournament. The BCCI’s error has not only raised eyebrows but has also triggered a wave of backlash from fans of Rohit Sharma.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with the hashtag #DontRewriteHistory trending as fans expressed their discontent. Many took to platforms like Twitter to voice their frustrations, with comments such as, “Ye kya Bhai bcci walo kuch to Sharam kar liya Karo gill kab captain tha champion trophy mein winning captain dikha raho champion trophy ka .. wo bol aisa rha hai jaise wahi captain tha…” from user Sudhanshu Rao Chandel Rajput, highlighting the sentiment among cricket enthusiasts.

Another user, Atharva Pulujkar, remarked, “This fraud was not the winning captain,” further emphasizing the confusion and anger surrounding the BCCI’s portrayal of the events. The sentiment was echoed by others, with comments like, “How can you mention him as winning captain? Rohit was captain right?” from RK, and “Winning captain Rohit Sharma…. Right?” from Balaji, showcasing the widespread agreement on the matter.

Despite the backlash, the BCCI has not issued an official apology for the error. The graphic mistake was reportedly edited out of the delayed broadcast of the Naman Awards, but the damage had already been done. Fans and observers are left questioning the credibility of the BCCI and its ability to accurately represent the achievements of its players.

At the Naman Awards, Shubman Gill was honored as the Best International Cricketer, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While his achievements are commendable, the context of the award amidst the captaincy error has overshadowed the recognition he received. The event celebrated a historic year for Indian cricket, honoring five recent ICC trophy-winning squads, making the BCCI’s mistake even more pronounced.

As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how the BCCI will address this incident moving forward. Observers are keenly watching for any official statements or actions that may be taken to rectify the situation and restore faith among fans. The ongoing discussions around this error highlight the importance of accurate representation in sports and the potential repercussions of miscommunication.