"It happened to..."- Sourav Ganguly reacts to Rohit Sharma's removal from ODI captaincy ahead of Australia series

During the squad selection of the Indian side for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under, the BCCI selectors decided to omit Rohit Sharma as the captain and appointed Shubman Gill, keeping the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in mind.

It was the former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, who brought Rohit as India’s captain after Virat Kohli decided to step down from the responsibilities in 2021. That was a huge change in Indian cricket as they won the T20 World Cup 2024 and followed it up with the Champions Trophy 2025 in February this year. Ganguly has reacted to the ODI captaincy sack of the Nagpur-born.

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“I’m sure Rohit must have been spoken to. I’m not sure if it’s sacking. I’m sure it’s a mutual discussion. Rohit has been an outstanding leader — he’s won the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Performance is not the issue with Rohit Sharma. In 2027, Rohit will be 40. That’s a big number in sports. It happened to me; it happened to Dravid; it happens to everyone. Even Shubman Gill will face the same at 40.” Ganguly was unsurprised at the decision as he revealed on India Today.

Sourav Ganguly admits Rohit Sharma’s sacking as ODI captain ahead of Australia series

Ganguly concluded by underlining that the transitions are part and parcel of the game. He also addressed that it would be important for the veterans to maintain the same fitness to remain in the team selection’s consideration.

“Not a bad decision to promote Gill. He’s shown a lot of talent in England. I think it’s a fair call. Rohit can keep playing while you groom a young captain. It’s too early, but the way he has played and captained the team is extraordinary. Lots of potential, both as a player and as a captain.” The former Indian opener shed light.

“Yes, 40 is a lot of age. It depends on how fit he stays, how much cricket he plays, and how many runs he scores. Whatever opportunity they get, they have to play domestic cricket. That’s what it is — cricket is a sport where you have to keep playing to stay sharp.” Sourav Ganguly concluded.