Former India great warns of 'more bad news' after Rohit Sharma’s removal as ODI captain

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has shared his thoughts on the decision to remove Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain ahead of the three-match series against Australia. Gavaskar supported the selection committee’s move but cautioned that it could mark the start of 'more bad news' for senior players.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly backed Shubman Gill to lead India in ODIs, keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind. With Rohit Sharma turning 40 and Virat Kohli 38 by the time the tournament is held in Africa, their participation seems uncertain.

Both Rohit and Kohli have already retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing solely on ODIs — a format India plays infrequently. Gavaskar noted that limited opportunities in the 50-over format make it difficult for Rohit to stay match-ready for a major event like the World Cup, justifying the decision to groom Gill as captain.

“We don’t know if Rohit Sharma will be ready for the 2027 World Cup. He only plays ODIs now, and the Indian team doesn’t have many ODIs scheduled. Most bilateral tours include Tests and T20Is. If he’s only playing 5–7 ODIs a year, that’s not enough preparation for a big tournament. So, the selectors decided to start preparing Shubman Gill," said Gavaskar during a recent interaction.

The former India captain also praised Rohit’s achievements, including his leadership in winning the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup. However, Gavaskar emphasized that the selection panel’s priority is to build for the future.

“The team always comes first. Rohit has achieved a lot — he’s won major tournaments for India. But even he understands this decision because, looking two years ahead, a young captain must be prepared. That’s the logic behind the selectors’ approach,” Gavaskar explained.

Gavaskar further warned that Rohit’s removal might be just the beginning of tough calls for senior players who are uncertain about their long-term availability.

“If you’re non-committal about your future or unsure of your readiness for the next two years, be prepared for more bad news,” he said.

He also pointed out that since India plays few ODIs each year, players focusing solely on the format would need to seek additional match practice in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy — something Rohit and Kohli are unlikely to do.