Ajit Agarkar explains Rohit Sharma's ODI captaincy removal: "It's practically impossible to have ..."

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar laid out the strategic reasoning behind one of Indian cricket's boldest decisions in recent years: removing Rohit Sharma as ODI captain and handing the reins to Shubman Gill. The move, announced ahead of the Australia tour, wasn't about Rohit's performance or success—it was about the practical impossibility of managing three different captains across formats while planning for the 2027 World Cup.

The core rationale: three captains don't work

Agarkar's explanation was direct and unambiguous during Saturday's squad announcement press conference.

"It's practically impossible to have three different captains for three formats, just in terms of planning. Obviously, at some stage, you've got to start looking at where the next World Cup is."

Until this decision, India operated with three separate captains: Shubman Gill in Tests, Rohit Sharma in ODIs, and Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is. While this arrangement worked on paper, Agarkar emphasized that the logistical and strategic challenges made it unsustainable, particularly for coaching staff trying to plan different tactical approaches with different leaders.

"It is very difficult to have three different captains for three formats. In terms of not just selectors, but more importantly, even for the coach, to plan with three different people is never easy."

The ODI calendar challenge

A crucial factor in the timing of this decision is how infrequently ODI cricket is now played. India's last ODI was the Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025—a victory over New Zealand. Their next ODI won't be until October 19 against Australia, creating a seven-month gap between matches.

Agarkar highlighted this reality as a key consideration:

"It's also a format which is played the least now. So you don't get that many games to actually give the next guy, or if there is going to be another guy, that much time to prepare himself or plan. And we're two years away still. That might look like a long time, but we don't quite know how many one-day games we might play."

With approximately 20 ODIs scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, the selection committee felt that waiting any longer to make the leadership transition would leave insufficient time for the new captain to establish himself and build his team.

Looking toward 2027

The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia served as the strategic horizon for this decision. At 38, Rohit's participation in that tournament was always uncertain, making it logical to begin grooming his successor now rather than in 2026 when time would be critically short.

"Surely we'll start planning for that World Cup to come. So as a plan, it gives the next guy enough time to plan with whatever games that we have coming."

This forward-thinking approach prioritizes long-term team building over short-term continuity, even at the cost of removing a highly successful captain.

A difficult but necessary decision

Agarkar acknowledged that removing Rohit wasn't easy, given his exceptional record as ODI captain. Under Rohit's leadership, India won 42 of 56 matches (75% win rate), claimed the Champions Trophy 2025, and reached the 2023 World Cup final.

"Even if he had not won the Champions Trophy, it would have been a difficult decision because of how good he's been for India. But you've got to sometimes look at what's coming forward. Where you stand as a team and eventually look at what's in the best interest of the team."

The chief selector emphasized that this wasn't about Rohit's capabilities but about giving his successor adequate preparation time—something that becomes impossible if you wait until the last moment.

"Whether it's now or maybe six months later. Those are the calls that I suppose you have to make. Like I said, it's tough with one-day cricket at this point. Because if you're going to make that call, you want to try and make it reasonably early and give the other guy enough chance to try and get that confidence of leading another format."

Why Shubman Gill?

At 26, Gill represents India's future. He's already proven himself as Test captain, leading India to a creditable 2-2 draw in England while breaking multiple batting records. His recent century-laden performances and maturity under pressure made him the logical choice.

Agarkar expressed confidence in Gill's ability to handle the dual responsibility:

"Hopefully not [burnout]. Still quite young. We saw what he did in England under immense pressure. Really positive signs there. We hope there's no burnout."

Gill's appointment also simplifies India's leadership structure—instead of three different captains, they now have two (Gill in Tests and ODIs, Suryakumar in T20Is), making planning and team building more streamlined.

Rohit's continued role

Importantly, Agarkar confirmed that Rohit remains firmly in India's ODI plans as a specialist batter. His removal as captain doesn't signal the end of his ODI career—at least not immediately.

"They are playing one format and we have picked them for the matches against Australia. I don't think we need to discuss the 2027 World Cup at the moment. You can't think beyond the Australia series, as the team has been picked for the tour. They will have to score runs like they have been doing all these years."

This pragmatic approach keeps Rohit's experience and batting prowess available while transitioning leadership to the next generation. How long he continues in the team will depend on his performance and fitness rather than his leadership role.

The communication process

When asked if Rohit had been informed about the decision beforehand, Agarkar maintained discretion but confirmed proper communication had occurred:

"It's a conversation between me and Rohit. But of course, he's been communicated."

The chief selector's refusal to share details of Rohit's reaction respects the privacy of what was undoubtedly a difficult conversation, while confirming that the decision wasn't sprung on the veteran without warning.

Mixed reactions from cricket community

The decision drew polarized responses. Some, like former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif, criticized the timing, arguing:

"Rohit Sharma ne Hindustan ko 16 saal diye aur hum unko ek saal nahi de paaye bataur captain." (Rohit Sharma gave 16 years to India, and we couldn't give him even one more year as captain.)

However, others supported the move as necessary forward planning, with former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar emphasizing the importance of proper communication and Rohit being on the same page with the decision.

The broader strategic picture

This captaincy change is part of a larger generational transition in Indian cricket. With Rohit and Virat Kohli having retired from Tests and T20Is, focusing only on ODIs, and both in their late 30s, the BCCI is clearly planning for a post-Kohli-Rohit era.

By appointing Gill now:

• He gets 20+ ODIs to establish his leadership before the World Cup

• The team can build combinations and strategies around long-term players

• Younger players have clarity about who will lead them in 2027

• The coaching staff can work with fewer leadership variables

What happens in Australia

Gill's first test as ODI captain comes in challenging circumstances—a three-match away series in Australia (October 19-25) with matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Leading a team that includes two legends who once captained him adds another layer of complexity.

The squad composition shows trust in youth balanced with experience:

• Gill as captain with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain

• Rohit and Kohli as specialist batters

• A blend of proven performers and emerging talent

How Gill manages this dynamic, particularly in high-pressure situations, will provide early indicators of whether this captaincy transition was timed correctly.

The precedent for Indian cricket

India has successfully navigated captaincy transitions before. MS Dhoni succeeded Sourav Ganguly and became India's most successful captain. Virat Kohli took over from Dhoni and maintained excellence. Now Gill has the opportunity to continue that legacy, with the backing of selectors who believe the time is right despite the difficult optics of removing a successful captain.