‘Not sacking, just a transition’: Sourav Ganguly explains why Rohit Sharma's ODI captaincy change makes sense

Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has dismissed the notion that Rohit Sharma was “sacked” as India’s ODI skipper, calling it a natural phase in the career of any senior leader. Speaking to India Today, Ganguly said such transitions have happened with every captain, including himself and Rahul Dravid, as the team prepares for the future.

Rohit, who led India to back-to-back ICC titles, including the Champions Trophy earlier this year, has been replaced by Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain. Gill’s first assignment as skipper will be the three-match ODI series in Australia, beginning October 19, followed by a five-match T20I series starting October 29.

“I think this has been done in consultation with Rohit. From the outside, it looks like a fair call,” Ganguly said. 

“Rohit can continue playing, and in the meantime, you start grooming a young captain. I don’t see any problem with that.”

Ganguly said that captaincy changes are part of a broader team-building process. “It’s not a sacking. I’m sure Rohit must have been spoken to. These decisions are mutual, and Rohit has been an outstanding leader,” he added.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee’s decision is seen as a long-term move, with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, when Rohit will be over 40 and Virat Kohli nearing 38.

Ganguly, who recently took over as Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, praised Gill’s leadership skills and said the selectors made the right call after the young opener impressed during the England tour earlier this year, which was his maiden stint as Test captain.

“Not a bad decision to promote Gill. He’s shown tremendous maturity in England. It’s a good time to give him responsibility while Rohit is still around to guide him,” Ganguly said.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, while announcing the change last week, had also emphasised the need to plan ahead. “At some point, you have to start looking at the next World Cup. ODI cricket isn’t played as frequently these days, so you want to give the next guy enough time to prepare,” Agarkar had said.