Only a couple of days ago, he was removed from the ODI captaincy. But Rohit Sharma was the showstopper at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) Awards here in Mumbai on Tuesday. The house reserved its biggest applause for a special moment — the legendary Sunil Gavaskar handing over a special award to Rohit for leading India to the Champions Trophy triumph.
At the team selection press conference for the upcoming white-ball series in Australia, Ajit Agarkar admitted that it was a difficult decision to strip Rohit of 50-over captaincy, someone whose last assignment for India saw him guide the team to glory. “I mean, even if he had not won the Champions Trophy, it would have been a difficult decision because of how good he has been for India,” said the chief selector explaining the decision taken by his committee. “But you have got to sometimes look at what’s coming forward, where you stand as a team and eventually look at what’s in the best interest of the team. Whether it’s now or maybe six months later.”
Rohit will play three ODIs Down Under. Beyond that, however, his international future looks uncertain, as transition has begun in earnest with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.
Meanwhile at the Awards, Sanju Samson trumped Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma to be named the Men’s T20I Batter of The Year, while Varun Chakaravarthy received the Men’s T20I Bowler Of The Year award. In the women’s category, India swept all the awards, with Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma shining the brightest. Both, however, couldn’t turn up, as they are playing the Women’s World Cup. Brian Lara got the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gambhir and ‘Spartan’ mentality
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, was instrumental in bringing Varun back to the national team fold, and the spinner was effusive in his coach’s praise as he spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the event.
“Definitely one thing which I can say about (Gambhir) is that he brings a Spartan mentality to the team where there’s no option of losing,” said Varun. “You have to bring your best and give everything on the ground. He doesn’t tolerate mediocrity.”
Varun also said that during the Asia Cup, the Indian players mostly stayed away from social media.
