 "Rohit Sharma was removed as India’s ODI captain in favour of Shubman Gill. Image: PTI")
Former Indian cricket team selector Saba Karim has questioned Rohit Sharma being removed as ODI captain but being named in the squad for the Australia series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday named Shubman Gill as India’s new captain, while 38-year-old Rohit was retained in the squad alongside Virat Kohli.
With Gill’s appointment, India have decided to move from Rohit and make a fresh start for the 2027 ODI World Cup by which the former captain would be 40. However, Karim feels that if the selectors didn’t see Rohit as a part of the 2027 ODI World Cup, then they should not have selected him in the squad for the October ODI series as well.
‘Selector acted in great haste with Rohit Sharma’
Karim alleged that the Agarkar-led selection panel has acted in “great haste” with Rohit, which could lead to confusion.
“If you haven’t made him the captain, then why are you still keeping him in the team?” Karim told the YouTube channel Kadak. “It clearly shows that you don’t see him as part of the future, that he won’t be there for the 2027 World Cup.
“In that case, you shouldn’t keep a player in the team who you don’t see as part of your plans for 2027. Then whether he remains captain or not, or even a player or not, doesn’t really matter. That’s why I said the selectors have acted in great haste with Rohit Sharma, and there was no need for it.”
Agarkar explains Rohit, Kohli’s selections
Agarkar, in the press conference, refused to entertain questions about Rohit and Kohli’s ODI future but hinted they were picked by virtue of being available.
“I mean, that’s the format they are at the moment playing (Virat and Rohit). We picked them, but as far as 2027 World Cup is concerned. I don’t think we need to talk about it today. Obviously, with the captaincy change, that’s generally the thought,” he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAgarkar added that players, including Rohit and Kohli, will have to take part in domestic cricket to remain eligible for national selection.
“I think that we’ve made it clear a couple of years back now, that whenever the guys are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. That’s the only way you’ll keep yourself sharp and playing cricket, if you’ve got a long enough break. Whether that’s possible with the international cricket you’re playing or not, that only time will tell. But if guys are free, I mean, that’s, they should be playing domestic cricket,” said Agarkar.