Ganguly Suggests Rohit’s ODI Departure Was Likely a Mutual Decision

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has endorsed the selection of young batter Shubman Gill as the ODI captain, describing it as a “justifiable decision.”

Ganguly speculates that Rohit Sharma’s stepping down as ODI captain was probably a collaborative decision made with the skipper, who has previously tasted success in the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup.

Gill, fresh off leading India to a 2-2 stalemate against England during his inaugural Test series as captain, is now set to command the ODI team for the first time. His initial challenge will be the three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain.

“My perception is that this decision was reached in consultation with Rohit. Although I lack inside knowledge, I believe it’s a reasonable choice. Rohit can continue his playing career, while a young captain is groomed simultaneously. Therefore, I see no issues with this arrangement,” Ganguly commented.

India’s tour of Australia features three ODIs, succeeded by a five-match T20I series starting on October 29.

The selection committee, spearheaded by Ajit Agarkar, seems to have adopted this strategy with a long-term perspective, focusing on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, by which time Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Virat Kohli 39.

“I’m confident that Rohit was consulted. Therefore, I don’t perceive this as a ‘dismissal’ or anything of that nature. It likely involved a mutual conversation because Rohit has demonstrated exceptional leadership. Over the past couple of years, he has secured victories in the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. Thus, performance isn’t the concern. However, with an eye toward the future, he’ll be 40 by 2027, which is a significant age in sports,” Ganguly pointed out.

Ganguly further underscored that age and physical condition will be instrumental in determining the trajectory of seasoned players like Rohit and Kohli.

“Their future hinges on their fitness levels, the extent of their playing time, and the consistency of their performances. Concentrating on just one format is challenging. While the IPL exists, it only spans two months annually. To maintain their form, they’ll need to participate in domestic cricket,” he stated.

The 53-year-old added that every athlete eventually confronts this stage in their career, drawing parallels with legendary figures in global sports.

“This transition is inevitable for everyone, be it Federer, Nadal, or Maradona. Everyone must retire eventually. There will be no exceptions, not even for Gill when he nears 40 after accumulating 12,000 or 13,000 runs. That’s simply the nature of sports,” he concluded.

The BCCI formally acknowledged Gill’s appointment while unveiling India’s squads for the Australia series, signifying a shift in leadership within the ODI format.

Following the Australian tour, India will return to host South Africa for a series encompassing two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

Meanwhile, the men in blue initiated their Test season impressively, overwhelming the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in Ahmedabad, with Ravindra Jadeja shining with four wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 146 within three days.