Ex-India cricketer and former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly revealed that Rohit Sharma wasn’t keen on taking up Team India’s leadership responsibilities after Virat Kohli stepped down from the role. Kohli called time on T20I captaincy after the T20 World Cup 2023. He was removed as the ODI captain soon after and then also stepped down as the Test skipper.
Rohit Sharma was the front-runner to be selected as India’s captain in LOIs. However, the right-handed batter wasn’t keen on taking up the job. In an interview with Kolkata TV, the then BCCI Chief Sourav Ganguly expressed that he had to request Rohit Sharma to take up the captaincy role. Sourav Ganguly revealed,
“Rohit Sharma was not keen on becoming captain of the Indian team. It had gone to a stage where I had to issue an ultimatum that either you say yes or I will announce it to the world. I did it because he is an outstanding captain. After Virat Kohli vacated the position, he was the best man to lead India. And I am not surprised that he is doing well.”
When asked why Rohit Sharma wasn’t keen on becoming India’s full-time captain, Sourav Ganguly said,
“I don’t know why he was hesitant, but it could be due to the amount of cricket that he has been playing. Test, ODI, T20I and then the IPL, there is lot of cricket and lot of pressure already. Rohit had a lot on his plate and I am very happy that he is doing well.”
India qualifies for the 2023 World Cup semi-finals
Team India has qualified for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. They are unbeaten in the tournament so far, with eight wins and are at the top of the table. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been in great form scoring 442 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.25. He has slammed a century and a couple of fifties. The right-handed batter will be hoping to lead India to their third ICC ODI World Cup title in this edition. Hi
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