“Rohit Sharma has been an outstanding leader” - Sourav Ganguly opens up on Shubman Gill’s appointment as new ODI captain

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has opened up on the Indian selection committee’s call to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain for the forthcoming three-match series against Australia Down Under.

Speaking at a promotional event, Ganguly asserted that Rohit has been an outstanding leader, having won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he backed Gill to excel as a captain in ODIs.

“I am sure Rohit must have been spoken to. So, I don’t know whether it is ‘sacking’ or anything. I am sure it is a mutual discussion. Because Rohit has been an outstanding leader. In the last two years, he has won the T20 World Cup. He has won the Champions Trophy. So, performance is not the issue with Rohit Sharma,” Ganguly said.

Furthermore, Ganguly revealed the actual reason behind Rohit being removed as the ODI captain, adding that Rohit would turn 40 by the time the ICC World Cup commences in 2027. Moreover, he added that Gill will also face a similar situation when he turns 40.

“And I think what’s gone in the selectors’ mind is, as he asked, in two years’ time he will be 40, when the World Cup happens in South Africa. He doesn’t play T20 cricket. So, he will not be a part of the World Cup in 2026 in India. But when they go to 2027 in South Africa, he will be 40 years old. And that’s a big number in sport. And he has played for so long. So, I don’t think anybody is sure whether Rohit will actually play when he is 40. So, I don’t think it’s the worst decision. It happens to everyone,” he added. 

“There will not be any exception even in the future — 10 years down the line when Shubman Gill gets close to 40 and scores 12,000-13,000 runs. He will also have to face this situation. Because, as you know, in sport, whether it’s a (Roger) Federer, whether it’s a (Pete) Sampras, whether it’s a (Rafael) Nadal, whether it’s a (Diego) Maradona, they all have to finish someday,” he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!