In a shocking turn of events, Rohit Sharma has reportedly "agreed" with the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to remove him as the captain of the One Day International (ODI) team. This move comes ahead of the three-match ODI series against Australia later this month, with Shubman Gill, already the Test captain, now also assuming leadership in the 50-over format.

According to sources within the BCCI, the decision was made to ensure a calm team atmosphere. The selectors were reportedly apprehensive about Rohit having too much influence on team matters, which they feared could disrupt the dressing room environment and team dynamics. "A player of Rohit's stature in a leadership role would have meant he would get to drive his philosophy in the dressing room. But with him playing only in ODIs, a format which is played the least, it could have disturbed the team culture," a BCCI source told the Times of India.

While BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that having three different captains across formats was "practically impossible", the decision seems to be more strategic. The board has been keen on having a single captain across formats, and with Shubman Gill already leading the Test team, it was only a matter of time before he took over the ODI reins as well.

Former India coach Abhishek Nayar emphasized the importance of clear communication during this transition, supporting Gill's leadership while acknowledging Rohit's previous aspirations for the 2027 World Cup. Nayar stressed that as long as Rohit was kept in the loop and agreed with the decision to give Shubman Gill a chance while offering his support, it would be a positive move.

However, the decision has not been without its critics. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has publicly slammed the BCCI's move, questioning the timing and rationale behind it. In a video shared on social media, Kaif argued that Rohit deserved to lead the team until the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting his successful track record in ICC events. "Rohit Sharma gave India 16 years, and we couldn't give him even one more year as captain," Kaif stated. "In 16 ICC event matches, he won 15 and lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia".

Sunil Gavaskar has also weighed in on the issue, cautioning against complacency and suggesting that more changes could be on the horizon. While he acknowledged Gill's potential as a leader, Gavaskar warned that Rohit's removal might not be the only bad news for Indian cricket. Speaking to Sports Today, Gavaskar stated that there is no guarantee that Rohit Sharma will be there for the 2027 World Cup, suggesting that the selection committee is keen on giving Shubman Gill as much experience as possible. He also pointed out that the conversation about the captaincy had already happened between Rohit Sharma, the chairman of selectors, and Virat Kohli.

The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill reflects a strategic move by the BCCI, keeping an eye on the future of Indian cricket. While Rohit and Virat Kohli will play under Gill’s captaincy in the ODIs against Australia, their fate in the format remains uncertain, especially with the 2027 World Cup approaching.