Rohit Sharma "disrespected" and other stories
The BCCI's decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain has sparked a significant backlash from fans and former cricketers. The announcement, made on Saturday ahead of the team's tour to Australia, was reportedly a "collective effort" by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. While Rohit, 38, remains in the squad as a player, the nature of his removal has led to widespread debate.
Much of the criticism stems from a consensus that Rohit, one of India's most successful ODI captains, deserved a more respectful exit. Statistically, he led India in 56 ODIs with a win rate of approximately 75%, a figure higher than that of predecessors like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Under his leadership, India won the Asia Cup in 2018 and 2023 and the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, giving him a success rate of 88.8% in multi-national tournaments.
Sources within the BCCI have revealed that the decision was a strategic move looking toward the 2027 World Cup. "It has been a collective effort by Gambhir and Agarkar. They understand that it will be tough for both Rohit and Kohli to be at their peak after two years, given that they are in their late 30s,” a BCCI insider told TOI. The source added that the team's recent success without key players has fostered confidence that "no one is indispensable in the current scenario."
The official reasoning also pointed to potential issues with team dynamics. The insider noted that with ODIs being played less frequently, having a player of Rohit's stature in a non-captaincy role could "disturb the team culture." However, this justification has been questioned by experts like former selector Saba Karim. "Why is Rohit Sharma in the team! You clearly do not see him play in the 2027 World Cup... Why to keep such a player in team?” Karim stated, arguing the selectors acted in "great haste."
Amidst the controversy, former coach Abhishek Nayar offered a conditional perspective, supporting the move only if Rohit was consulted. "As long as that discussion happened with Rohit, as long as he was on the same page... then I am all for it," Nayar said. He emphasized the importance of keeping the outgoing captain involved in the transition, stating, "You’ve given him that responsibility; ‘help us take this team forward like you did till now.’ I feel he deserves that much.”
