Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has defended the decision taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in relieving Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain, insisting it was not a sacking but a more practical decision considering long-term goals. The former BCCI President drew parallels to his own career and that of former captain and coach Rahul Dravid, both of whom faced similar transitions as the baton of captaincy was passed to MS Dhoni.
Notably, Ganguly was briefly succeeded by Dravid before Dhoni became the all-format captain of the Indian Cricket Team in 2007.
Also Read: 'No issues with my fitness': Mohammed Shami opens up about after missing India squad again
"I am sure Rohit must have spoken to. I am not sure if it's sacking. I am sure it's a mutual discussion," Ganguly told India Today. "Rohit has been an outstanding leader - he's won the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Performance is not the issue with him. In 2027, the batter will be 40 years old. 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."
Sourav Ganguly backs selectors' move to appoint Gill as the ODI captain
The former India skipper backed the selectors' move to appoint Gill as India's ODI captain. Ganguly highlighted the youngster's impressive performance during the team's five-match Test series in England, where the right-hand batter scored 754 runs, including four centuries - breaking one record after another, and surpassing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Graham Gooch.
Also Read: “Rohit Bhai Left Me!” – Yashasvi Jaiswal Recalls Getting Stranded Before Australia Test
"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," Ganguly said.
"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."
Gill's ODI captaincy stint will begin with a crucial three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, & Shreyas Iyer to join Shubman Gill's team in Delhi
