The recent selection of the Indian ODI squad against Australia featured a significant announcement: Shubman Gill was chosen to replace Rohit Sharma as captain. This decision has sparked controversy and raised questions from analysts and fans alike regarding Sharma’s removal from the captaincy before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Mohammad Kaif, former Indian cricketer, expressed his disappointment regarding this decision, referring to Rohit Sharma’s contributions and achievements. He argued that there was no necessity to rush the captaincy role to Gill, implying his time would come eventually. Kaif felt that Sharma should have been given an opportunity to captain the team for one more year to lead the team in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He highlighted Sharma’s 16-year service to India, the trophies he won as captain, losing only one match in 16 ICC events, the 2023 final being the sole defeat. Kaif also mentioned that Sharma was the player of the match in the Champions Trophy and won the trophy, predicting that he would win the 2024 World Cup.
Kaif discussed how Rohit had stepped down to allow new players to shine, demonstrating magnanimity. He stayed out of the spotlight for some time, and then the captaincy was given to someone else.
Kaif emphasized that in India it’s generally common for players to continue while they are performing, but this did not happen with Rohit. He concluded that Rohit taught many players everything, but he was removed from the captaincy of the 2027 World Cup, unable to get one more year.
The post-selection discussion focuses on Rohit’s need to maintain form to be considered for the 2027 World Cup team. Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar has yet to disclose his long-term strategies, and the future of Rohit and Virat Kohli is uncertain. The shift towards a new generation of players seems apparent.
Kaif concluded that the captain who provided India with two ICC trophies in eight months was replaced by Shubman Gill. Gill, though young and promising, can be a good captain, however, why was the decision rushed? Kaif implied that it was Rohit’s time, but it was cut short.