A major transformation has swept Indian cricket. Star batsman Rohit Sharma has been stripped of his role as captain of India's ODI team. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain and will lead the team during the three-match series against Australia. Following Rohit's retirement from Test cricket, Shubman Gill was also named the captain for the longest format of the game.
The decision to relieve 38-year-old Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy has bewildered fans and experts alike. Many expected him to steer the team at least during the upcoming Australia tour. Yet, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a decision that inevitably raises questions.
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Rohit Sharma, under whose leadership India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, finds his captaincy inexplicably revoked. If it intended to remove him, it could have been done with dignity. Wouldn't it have been more fitting for Rohit to lead in the final series against Australia before appointing a new captain?
Gautam Gambhir's Changed Perspective
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir once advocated for farewells for players. However, as head coach, his views appear to have shifted. In August, Gambhir expressed that farewells hold no significance, urging people to instead remember players' contributions.
The cricket world is buzzing with questions about the BCCI's decision. Speculation suggests the board is investing in youth with Shubman Gill, yet dismissing Rohit Sharma's experience and leadership seems unjust. The ODI World Cup 2027 is still two years away, and the board might be grooming young talent for the future. By then, Rohit Sharma will be over 40, and it's uncertain whether he'll participate.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar justified the decision to remove Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy. Agarkar stated that maintaining three different captains for each format is challenging, thus necessitating some time for Shubman Gill to develop as a captain. Agarkar even mentioned that neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli are committed to the 2027 World Cup, as it is still years away. The current focus remains on the T20 World Cup 2026.
Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Record
Reviewing Rohit's record, he led India in 56 ODI matches, securing victory in 42 of them, while losing 12. One match ended in a tie, and another had no result. Under his captaincy, India's winning percentage stood at 77.27%. The team reached the 2023 Cricket World Cup finals and won the 2018 and 2023 Asia Cup.
The BCCI may have its reasons, but honoring Rohit Sharma is essential. Considered one of the finest 50-over batters of his era, Rohit has played 273 ODI matches for India, scoring 1168 runs at an average of 48.76, with 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries.
