IND vs Aus: The BCCI had revealed India’s team for the white-ball series against Australia on Saturday. But what surprised everyone was Rohit Sharma being replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI skipper.
This decision by the Indian team management got mixed responses. Although some people welcomed this decision of them trying to move forward and there were others who slammed this sudden sacking of Rohit Sharma. Former India cricketer Mohamma Kaif has revealed that Rohit Sharma should have led the team during the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ajit Agarkar, while talking about this decision, said that they couldn’t pick three skippers in all three formats, and that’s why they made Gill the captain. It was a strategic decision. But it’s the timing that Kaif has a problem with.
Mohammad Kaif’s case for patience with Rohit Sharma
Mohammed Kaif took to his official Instagram account and shared a heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. He revealed, “Rohit Sharma ne Hindustan ko 16 saal diye aur hum unko ek saal nahi de paaye bataur captain. 16 ICC events mein 15 match jeete hain, ek match haare, woh 2023 ka ODI WC final against Australia.”
He also spoke about Rohit’s performance as a batter in this format and said, “Champions trophy ka jo last match that Dubai mein, player of the match the Rohit Sharma. Waha trophy jeeta ke laye, 2024 trophy World Cup mein, waha jeeti Bharat, waha unke naam trophy. Baddapan dikhaya ki waha retirement le lia, ki chalo 2024 ka World Cup hum jeet gaye, ab naye players ko aane do. Thoda din limelight se bahar the, koi aur aaye kaaptani kari. Jab player aaye to unki jagah chali gayi.”
It was not just about this. He also lauded Rohit for the way he has guided the youngsters and helped them to perform well under pressure. He said, “Hindustan mein example hain ki jab taak aapka daur chal raha hain na, aap usko khicte raho, par Rohit Sharma ne aisa kaam nahi kiya. Players banaye, players ko sikhaya, samhala, sawara, under pressure waha pe cheeze unko batayi. Par hum unko ek saal…2027 ak jo World Cup hain, kaaptani unko nahi di gay, hata diye gaye woh. Ek saal unko atirikt hum de nahi paaye. Shubman Gill takeover karenge. Shubman Gill, Yuva hain, naaye hain, achhe kaaptan ban sakte hain. Par har cheez mein jaldbaazi karne ka absyakta kya hain?”
The selection call and the debate
Things are quite clear for the Indian team. Shubman Gill will be leading the ODI series against Australia, with Iyer being the vice-captain. The team management was thinking about the future, and that’s why they wanted a young captain for the 2027 World Cup.
At the same time, Mohammed Kaif revealed that his concerns were just about the timing and respect for someone who had won two ICC titles within eight months.