Rohit Sharma superior to MS Dhoni? Virender Sehwag makes big claim after BCCI sacks India ODI captain

Former Team India opener Virender Sehwag came out in support of Rohit Sharma following his removal from ODI captaincy. Sehwag stated that Rohit deserves recognition as India’s second-best captain after MS Dhoni, adding that he has a selfless approach and the ability to prioritize the team’s success.

India’s ODI leadership has transitioned from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill. Notably, Rohit last captained India in the ICC Champions Trophy, where the team secured the trophy. Shubman Gill will lead the team in the upcoming three-match series against Australia, with Shreyas Iyer appointed as his deputy.

Rohit Sharma Becomes the Second-Best Captain After MS Dhoni - Virender Sehwag

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag said that Rohit Sharma is just behind MS Dhoni as a captain. Sehwag stated that Sharma can make teammates feel secure and supported, ensuring they perform at their best.

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“People underestimate him regarding his captaincy, but after these two trophies, perhaps he becomes the second-best captain after MS Dhoni. He thinks less about himself, thinks about his team, about his teammates, and makes them comfortable," Sehwag said.

"He understands that if a player has insecurity, his performance does not come through, so that is why he does not give anyone insecurity, takes everyone in the team along with him,” he added.

Rohit guided India to 42 victories in 56 ODIs, the highest for any Indian captain with over 50 matches and second only to Clive Lloyd by win percentage. India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final and clinched the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also led the national team to the 2024 T20 World Cup last year.

Winning trophies is a kind of drive, and his experience in this matter is quite extensive, - Zaheer Khan

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan stated that Rohit Sharma has a knack for winning trophies. Khan noted that Rohit knows how to communicate and prepare for multi-national tournaments or franchise cricket tournaments.

“Winning trophies is a kind of drive, and his experience in this matter is quite extensive, so somewhere that drive is visible in him. Whenever playing multi-national tournaments or franchise cricket tournaments, you can see what needs to be done, how to communicate, how to prepare - all these things absolutely reflect in his behaviour. And with intensity, that casual approach too, I think works very well for him.”

Rohit Doesn't Lose the Dressing Room - Murali Karthik

Former Indian spinner and commentator Murali Kartik said that Rohit consistently supports players, celebrates their performances, and fosters a positive environment in the dressing room.

“He (Rohit Sharma) doesn’t lose the dressing room.... The players naturally gravitate towards Rohit Sharma because he talks about giving them chances, celebrates their efforts in press conferences and post-match, and has lived that belief consistently,” Kartik said.

India will kick off their white-ball tour of Australia with a three-match ODI series, starting on October 19. The team will then play five T20Is under Suryakumar Yadav. Notably, the Men in Blue are currently playing in a two-Test home series against the West Indies.

Also read: Kris Srikkanth accuses Gautam Gambhir of favouritism for Harshit Rana’s Australia tour selection