Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee’s decision to name Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain. He viewed the appointment as a strategic, long-term move, keeping in mind the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.
Ganguly explained that by the time the next 50-over World Cup arrives, Rohit Sharma will be over 40 and Virat Kohli will be 38, making it the right time to groom a younger leader. “I am sure Rohit must have been spoken to. So, I don’t know whether it’s ‘sacking’ or anything. I am sure it is a mutual discussion. Because Rohit has been an outstanding leader,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.
Rohit’s Record and the Selectors’ Vision
Ganguly lauded Rohit Sharma’s leadership achievements, highlighting that his removal was not due to poor performance. “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 added that the selectors likely took the decision with future planning in mind.
“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.” Ganguly further pointed out that Rohit no longer plays T20 cricket and is unlikely to feature in the 2026 T20 World Cup 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.” He noted that every athlete eventually faces this transition.
“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.” Drawing comparisons with sporting icons, Ganguly added, “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.”
The Path Ahead for Rohit and Kohli
When asked about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly said their continuity will depend on their form, fitness, and domestic performances. “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 advised both senior players to remain active in domestic cricket to maintain rhythm and touch. “As I said, it depends on how fit they (Rohit and Virat) remain and how much performance they keep doing. Whatever opportunity they get, they have to play domestic cricket.” Ganguly stressed the importance of regular play for sustained form and success.
“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. They have to play domestic cricket. That’s what it is. If they keep doing and performing, they will play for India,” he concluded.
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