Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has publicly supported the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as India`s new ODI captain. On Thursday, Ganguly characterized the move as a “fair call” and a sensible development. He suggested that Rohit Sharma`s transition from the ODI captaincy was likely a collaborative decision, made after discussions with the veteran player, who has previously led India to significant titles, including the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup. Ganguly commented, `I think it has been done in consultation with Rohit, from outside… I don`t know what`s inside.`
Further elaborating on his viewpoint, Ganguly stated, `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 is scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals in Australia beginning October 19, followed by a five-match T20 International series from October 29.
Age, Not Performance, Influencing Captaincy Change
The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, appears to be adopting a forward-looking strategy, particularly with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. By that time, Rohit Sharma will be over 40 years old, and Virat Kohli will be 38. Ganguly clarified, `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 emphasized that Rohit`s performance as a leader was not in question: `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.` He explained that the selectors` thought process likely revolved around Rohit`s age for future major tournaments: `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,` Ganguly continued. He added, `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.`
Ganguly underscored that this natural transition is an inevitable part of sports for all athletes, regardless of their stature: `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.`
Importance of Domestic Cricket for Veteran Players
Addressing the future roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli within the national squad, Ganguly stressed that their longevity would hinge on their age, fitness, and consistent performance, with an added emphasis on participating in 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,` he observed.
`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. Because cricket is a sport where you have to keep playing—otherwise, you lose the touch and the form and the contact. It is everything in life. You have to keep doing it,` Ganguly urged.
He concluded, `They have to play domestic cricket. That`s what it is. If they keep at it and performing, they will play for India.`
High Praise for Shubman Gill`s Potential
Shubman Gill recently showcased exceptional form in England, where he led India to a drawn five-match Test series. During this series, Gill accumulated an impressive 754 runs, including four centuries. This performance made him the highest scorer in any Test series between India and England, surpassing Graham Gooch`s 752 runs from 1990 and breaking Sunil Gavaskar`s record of 732 runs as captain against West Indies in 1978-79.
Hailing Gill`s promising rise as a captain, Ganguly remarked, `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.
