Real reason revealed why Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain

Agarkar reveals why Gill became captain [Source: AFP Photo]

After India crushed West Indies in the first Test, the selectors revealed the 15-member ODI squad for the Australian tour. To everyone’s surprise, Shubman Gill, the maverick batter, replaced Rohit Sharma as the new skipper of the 50-overs format. Gill was already leading the Test team, and was recently made the T20I vice-captain.

Agarkar reveals why Rohit was replaced as ODI captain

The decision came as a shocker since Rohit took India to the World Cup finals in 2023, and also steered India to a Champions Trophy win earlier this year. However, despite his brilliance as the leader, the 38-year-old was told to step down from the post, and was replaced by Gill.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had a press conference when the squad was announced, and he revealed the real reason as to why Rohit was removed from the post of ODI captaincy.

"Even if he had not won (Champions Trophy), it would have been a difficult decision. But sometimes you have to look forward, where you stand, interest of the team etc. Tough call," Agarkar stated, as quoted by Indian Express.

Agarkar gives subtle Kohli, Rohit retirement hint

The chief selector also gave a subtle hint that Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli might retire before the 2027 World Cup.

"Both Rohit and Virat are non committal about the World Cup (2027)."

Even before the start of the ODI tour, there were speculations that the Indian team management are looking beyond Rohit and Kohli for the World Cup in South Africa, and the Australian tour next month could be the last time RO-KO might play in 50-overs cricket.

Agarkar’s statement felt more like a subtle hint that there is no communication from Rohit, and Kohli’s end, and the tour, Down Under could potentially be a last hurrah for the legendary duo.

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