Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come down heavily on the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee after the decision to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain.
The move was confirmed by Agarkar during a press conference ahead of India’s white-ball tour of Australia, with 26-year-old Shubman Gill named as Rohit’s successor.
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Kaif took to social media to express his disappointment, questioning why the selectors could not have allowed Rohit to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He reminded that under Rohit’s leadership, India had an exceptional record in ICC tournaments.
“Rohit Sharma gave 16 years to Indian cricket, aur usko ek saal nehi de paye? (Couldn't give him juse one whole year?) Out of 16 ICC events, India won 15 matches and lost only one: the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia,” Kaif said.
He also pointed out that Rohit led India to major triumphs, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy earlier this year. “He also helped India win the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Under his leadership, India lifted trophies, including the 2024 World Cup,” Kaif added.
Rohit, who recently retired from Test cricket, was also the Player of the Match in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, marking a second successive ICC title under his captaincy.
Kaif further stated that Rohit showed maturity and selflessness by stepping away at the right time, unlike several players who extend their careers. “Rohit demonstrated character by retiring at the right time and stepping away from the spotlight to let new players take the lead. He guided, taught and supported young players under pressure. But, despite his success, he was not allowed to captain for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
The former India batter called the move premature, suggesting that Gill’s elevation could have waited. “Shubman Gill takes over as captain. He’s young and promising. But, what was the need to rush it? What was the need to go overboard? His time will come. But, it was still Rohit Sharma’s time,” Kaif concluded.
Gill's first assignment as ODI captain will come on October 19, when India take on Australia in the first match of the three-game series.
The move was confirmed by Agarkar during a press conference ahead of India’s white-ball tour of Australia, with 26-year-old Shubman Gill named as Rohit’s successor.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Kaif took to social media to express his disappointment, questioning why the selectors could not have allowed Rohit to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He reminded that under Rohit’s leadership, India had an exceptional record in ICC tournaments.
“Rohit Sharma gave 16 years to Indian cricket, aur usko ek saal nehi de paye? (Couldn't give him juse one whole year?) Out of 16 ICC events, India won 15 matches and lost only one: the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia,” Kaif said.
He also pointed out that Rohit led India to major triumphs, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy earlier this year. “He also helped India win the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Under his leadership, India lifted trophies, including the 2024 World Cup,” Kaif added.
Rohit, who recently retired from Test cricket, was also the Player of the Match in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, marking a second successive ICC title under his captaincy.
Kaif further stated that Rohit showed maturity and selflessness by stepping away at the right time, unlike several players who extend their careers. “Rohit demonstrated character by retiring at the right time and stepping away from the spotlight to let new players take the lead. He guided, taught and supported young players under pressure. But, despite his success, he was not allowed to captain for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
The former India batter called the move premature, suggesting that Gill’s elevation could have waited. “Shubman Gill takes over as captain. He’s young and promising. But, what was the need to rush it? What was the need to go overboard? His time will come. But, it was still Rohit Sharma’s time,” Kaif concluded.
Gill's first assignment as ODI captain will come on October 19, when India take on Australia in the first match of the three-game series.
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