"Team Mein Kyun Rakha Hai?": Saba Karim Questions Rohit Sharma's ODI Selection After Captaincy Snub

Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Saba Karim has raised pointed questions about BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar's decision to include Rohit Sharma in the ODI squad for the Australia series while simultaneously removing him as captain and expressing uncertainty about his 2027 World Cup prospects. Karim's blunt query—"Team mein kyun rakha hai?" (Why keep him in the team?)—reflects growing confusion about the selection committee's long-term planning.

The Contradictory Decision

On October 4, Agarkar announced that Shubman Gill would replace Rohit as ODI captain, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. However, Rohit retained his place in the 15-member squad for the three-match series against Australia starting October 19. This created an apparent contradiction: if the 38-year-old isn't in long-term plans, why select him now?

Speaking on YouTube channel Kadak, Karim articulated the confusion many feel about this approach.

"Team mein aap kyon rakh rahe hain? Agar woh captain nahin hain to phir ek baat saaf hai na ki aap unka future dekh nahi rahe ki wo 2027 ke World Cup mein rahenge, to phir aap aise khiladi ko team mein nahin rakhiye jo aapko lagta hain ki 2027 mein aapke hisaab se maujood nahin rahenge."

Translation: "Why are you keeping him in the team? If he is not captain, then it's clear you don't see his future in the 2027 World Cup. So don't keep a player whom you don't feel would be part of 2027."

The Age Factor

Rohit's age makes Karim's question particularly relevant. At 38, he would be approaching 40 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. When Agarkar was asked about Rohit and Virat Kohli's World Cup prospects, he deliberately avoided providing any assurance.

"As far as the 2027 World Cup is concerned, I don't think we need to talk about it today. You don't have to think too far at this point, as the team is picked for Australia. You just need them to score runs like they have been through their career."

This non-committal response effectively confirms what Karim suspects—the selectors don't see Rohit as part of their 2027 plans. If that's the case, Karim argues, why invest in him now rather than giving opportunities to younger players who will definitely be around for the World Cup?

The Champions Trophy Paradox

What makes Rohit's captaincy removal particularly contentious is his recent success. Under his leadership, India won the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2024. Karim highlighted this uncomfortable reality.

"Unhone team ko build kiya hain, unhone apko Champions Trophy aur T20 jitaya hai." (He built the team, won you the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup.)

This raises questions about whether the decision prioritizes future planning over current performance and recent achievements. Many observers, including former India wicketkeeper Kiran More, have called the timing harsh given Rohit's successful captaincy record.

The Broader Debate

Karim's critique reflects a larger debate about Indian cricket's transition strategy. Former chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar similarly questioned how Agarkar's committee could assess Rohit's current form and fitness given his seven-month gap from international cricket since the Champions Trophy.

The selection committee faces a difficult balance: providing clarity for long-term planning while extracting whatever value veteran players can still contribute. By removing Rohit's captaincy but keeping him in the squad, they've attempted to thread this needle—but critics like Karim argue this creates confusion rather than clarity.

The Bottom Line

Karim's "team mein kyun rakha hai?" question cuts to the heart of selection philosophy. If merit-based selection and 2027 World Cup planning are priorities, shouldn't those younger players who will definitely be around get opportunities now? Conversely, if Rohit's experience and skill still merit selection, why remove his captaincy so abruptly after winning the Champions Trophy?

The Australia series will provide some answers. Strong performances from Rohit might justify his inclusion and quiet critics. Poor showings would vindicate Karim's skepticism about selecting a player the committee doesn't see in long-term plans.