Mohammad Kaif slams decision to replace Rohit Sharma as ODI captain ahead of AUS vs IND series

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned the selectors’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma as ODI captain ahead of the Australia series. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI skipper, replacing Rohit at the helm.

Rohit had a fantastic record as ODI captain, leading India in 56 ODIs, out of which the team won 42 matches, lost 12, tied one, and had one no-result.

Kaif reckons the selectors could have given one more year to Rohit Sharma as an ODI captain. However, Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, said it was difficult to sustain three different captains for three different formats and they have taken the decision, keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

Kaif said on his X handle, “Rohit Sharma gave India 16 years, but we couldn’t give him even one. As captain, he has won 15 out of 16 ICC events, losing one match, the 2023 final. The Champions Trophy was the last match of 2025, he was the player of the match and won the trophy. He will also win the 2024 World Cup. We could not give him one year.”

“There is an example in India that as long as your time is there, you should continue it, but Rohit did not do that. He taught many players everything, but we removed him from the captaincy of the 2027 World Cup for one year.”

The Natwest Trophy final hero questioned the selectors’ call of fast-tracking Shubman Gill as an ODI captain.

“The captain who won us two ICC trophies in eight months will now be replaced by Shubman Gill. Gill is young and new and can be a good captain, but why rush into everything? Why give a flying start? His time will come, but right now it was Rohit’s time,” said Kaif.

Gill has led in only six List A matches and he will lead India for the first time in ODIs against Australia in the upcoming three-match series.