Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels that age played a role in the selectors’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma as ODI skipper and name Shubman Gill as his successor.
Ganguly also hoped that the decision made by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was taken with Rohit’s confidence and consent.
“I’m sure Rohit must have been consulted. I’m not certain it’s a sacking,” Ganguly told India Today. “I’m sure it was a mutual discussion. Rohit has been an outstanding leader — he’s won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Performance is not the issue with Rohit Sharma. In 2027, Rohit will be 40. That’s a big number in sport.”
The former BCCI President welcomed the decision to appoint Gill as the ODI captain, calling it a fair move.
“It happened to me, it happened to Dravid… It happens to everyone. Even Shubman Gill will face the same at 40. Everyone in sport has to finish someday. It’s not a bad decision to promote Gill. He’s shown a lot of talent in England. I think it’s a fair call… Rohit can continue playing while a young captain is groomed,” said Ganguly.
The selectors have made it clear that in order to remain in contention, players must play domestic cricket whenever possible. Ganguly echoed this sentiment.
“Whenever they get an opportunity, they have to play domestic cricket,” said the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal. “Because cricket is a sport where you have to keep playing. Otherwise, you lose your touch, form, and rhythm. That’s true in all aspects of life — you have to keep doing things to improve. Cricket is no different. They have to keep playing, practising, performing. They must play domestic cricket. That’s just how it is.”
India and Australia will lock horns in the three-match ODI series, which starts on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz