The announcement of the India squad for the ODI series against Australia included a surprising decision: Shubman Gill was named ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. This has left many cricket experts and fans questioning the move, particularly given Sharma’s position ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif voiced his opinion on the matter, emphasizing Rohit Sharma’s achievements. He stated that there was no need to transition everything to Gill so quickly, as his time would come eventually. Kaif believed that Rohit Sharma deserved another year as captain leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup. He highlighted Sharma’s 16-year contribution to Indian cricket, noting his record as captain, having won 15 out of 16 ICC events, with the 2023 final being the only loss. Kaif also mentioned Sharma’s Player of the Match performance in the Champions Trophy, which India won, and predicted that he would also win the 2024 World Cup.
Kaif also noted that Sharma displayed magnanimity and retired after winning the World Cup, choosing to give new players a chance. He stayed out of the limelight for a period, and then the captaincy was taken from him.
Kaif noted that in India, it has often been the norm to allow a player to continue until their time is up, but this did not happen with Sharma. He taught many players, but was removed from the captaincy before the 2027 World Cup, indicating that the team could not give him one more year.
To be considered for a spot in the 2027 World Cup team, Rohit will need to perform consistently with the bat. Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar has remained silent on long-term strategies, leaving uncertainty around the inclusion of Rohit and Virat Kohli in the plans, with all indications suggesting a shift in the team’s generation.
Kaif concluded that the captain who secured two ICC trophies in eight months has now been replaced by Shubman Gill. Gill is young and new and can be a good captain, but Kaif questioned the haste, suggesting that the decision was premature and that it was Rohit’s time to lead.