Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee's decision to name Shubman Gill as India's new ODI captain, describing it as a forward-thinking approach, particularly given the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.
Sourav Ganguly highlighted that by the time the next 50-over World Cup approaches, Rohit Sharma will be over 40 and Virat Kohli will be 38, giving it an ideal opportunity to begin developing a younger captain.
The former BCCI president highlighted Rohit’s excellent record as captain, citing his recent ICC victories.
“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. 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,” Ganguly told PTI.
Ganguly did, however, explain that the selectors would most likely need to consider long-term succession plans.
“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. He doesn’t play T20 cricket. So, he will not be a part of the World Cup in 2026 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. 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,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly further contrasted the scenario to that of other global athletic legends, pointing out that every athlete must eventually retire.
“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, or whether it’s a (Diego) Maradona, they all have to finish someday,” the ex-India captain stated.
When asked about Rohit and Kohli's future in Indian cricket, Ganguly stated that form, fitness, and domestic performances will define their longevity. He pushed both older players to continue playing domestic cricket in order to preserve their rhythm and form.
“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. 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.
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," Ganguly signed off.
(PTI inputs)
