“Rohit Sharma will not be part of World Cup” - BCCI President makes it clear
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The former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly backed the BCCI's decision to hand over India's ODI Captaincy to Shubman Gill, calling it a fair decision. He further went on to say that Rohit Sharma's removal as the ODI skipper came in consultation with the Champions Trophy-winning skipper.
The upcoming tour to Australia marked the appointment of Indian youngster Shubman Gill as the captain of the Indian ODI side following his success in the longest format of the game. With his appointment, the former skipper Rohit Sharma, who led India to two successive ICC titles between 2024 and 2025, has been snubbed from the role, despite his presence in the Indian squad.
Sourav Ganguly backs Rohit Sharma's snub as Indian ODI skipper
Ganguly went on to claim that Rohit Sharma's removal as ODI captain was likely done in consultation with the ICC tournament-winning captain. "I think it has been done in consultation with Rohit, from outside... I don't know what's inside," Ganguly said, as quoted by PTI.
"Somewhere down the line, I feel that it's a fair call. Rohit can keep playing, and in the meantime, you keep grooming a young captain. So, I really don't see a problem in that." India will play three ODIs in Australia starting October 19, followed by a five-match T20I series from October 29.
"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," Ganguly said.
He further said that Rohit Sharma's increasing age might be cited as a major reason for his snub from the 2027 ICC World Cup. "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," remarked the former BCCI president.
Sourav Ganguly backs the appointment of Shubman Gill as the Indian skipper
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has backed the decision to hand over India's ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, and has called it a "fair call and not the worst decision." Across the five-match Test series against England, Shubman went on to amass 754 runs with four top-notch centuries.
Hailing Gill's rise as captain, Ganguly said: "It's too early. For the tour of England, I thought he was brilliant. I have seen the five-Test series. The way he has played and the way he has captained the team is extraordinary.
"That is why he has been made the captain of the ODI team for the future. Lot of potential, both as a player and captain," he concluded.
Ganguly supports Agarkar's demand for Rohit and Virat to play domestic cricket
On Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future in the national setup, Sourav Ganguly said age and performance would eventually decide their fate, but they have been asked to play domestic cricket.
"Yes, 40 is a lot of age. It depends on him—how fit he stays, how much cricket he plays, and how many runs he scores. It is not easy to play just one format. Yes, he would play IPL, but that is only two months a year.
"As I said, it depends on how fit they (Rohit and Virat) remain and how much performance they keep up. Whatever opportunity they get, they have to play domestic cricket."
"They have to play domestic cricket. That's what it is. If they keep at it and performing, they will play for India," he added.
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