Former India Spinner Disappointed with Decision to Appoint Shubman Gill
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh voiced his surprise and disappointment over Rohit Sharma`s removal as the ODI team captain. Singh argued that Rohit, having led the team to a Champions Trophy title earlier this year, deserved to captain the side for the upcoming Australia tour. Indian selectors, however, announced on Saturday that young Test captain Shubman Gill would take over the ODI leadership, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. Harbhajan felt Rohit`s tenure could have been extended.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Harbhajan congratulated Shubman Gill on his new role, acknowledging his strong leadership in Test cricket. However, he expressed `shock` at Rohit`s replacement, highlighting Rohit`s impressive white-ball cricket record and his recent success in winning the ICC Champions Trophy. Harbhajan implied that if Rohit was to be selected for the team, he should also retain the captaincy.
Singh emphasized Rohit`s crucial role as a cornerstone of Indian white-ball cricket, suggesting he should have been allowed to lead for at least the upcoming ODI series in Australia (scheduled for October 19-25 in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne, followed by a T20 series). He questioned the selectors` focus on the distant 2027 ODI World Cup, implying it was premature to remove Rohit based on that timeline.
The 2011 World Cup winner believed selectors could have deferred Gill`s appointment for up to a year, allowing the young batsman more time to develop into the captaincy role. While expressing happiness for Gill`s opportunity, Harbhajan reiterated his disappointment for Rohit Sharma. He noted Rohit`s distinguished leadership in white-ball cricket, including two ICC titles and a runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup, solidifying his status as an all-time great captain.
Regarding Rohit`s future, Harbhajan asserted that the 38-year-old will remain a key figure in Indian ODI cricket alongside Virat Kohli. He highlighted Rohit`s outstanding ODI batting average, close to 50, as proof of his consistency and impact as an opener. Harbhajan emphasized that Rohit`s phenomenal playing style and leadership within the team would not diminish, regardless of captaincy, as he would continue to offer guidance. He predicted that both Rohit and Kohli would maintain their fearless batting approach, driving Team India to future victories. Rohit`s impressive captaincy record of 42 wins in 56 ODIs (76% winning rate) was also mentioned. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer has been appointed vice-captain for the upcoming Australian series.
Harbhajan also welcomed Shreyas Iyer`s appointment as Gill`s deputy, expressing satisfaction that Iyer was receiving the recognition he deserved. He praised Iyer as an `impact player,` recalling his crucial back-to-back centuries in the recent World Cup and his ability to ease pressure on other batsmen. Singh concluded by stating his excitement to see Iyer return with this enhanced responsibility, anticipating his contributions to the team`s strategies alongside Shubman Gill.
