Rohit Sharma removed as India’s ODI captain despite Champions Trophy win. Shubman Gill appointed; experts question Gautam Gambhir’s role.

The sudden removal of Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain generated questions about the influence of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Despite leading India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy victory, the 38-year-old veteran was removed from his leadership position by Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee in favor of youth. Shubman Gill has been named as the BCCI’s next captain, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.

Initially, many speculated that Rohit, 38, would not be selected for the next tournament, necessitating a leadership change. Rohit, on the other hand, has demonstrated by his regular results, fitness, and passion that he still has the ambition to compete on the world stage one last time.

Tiwary told Sports Today that, while Agarkar is a decisive leader, he most likely relied on Gambhir’s opinion.

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“I don’t know what the primary cause is,” Tiwary told Sports Today. “But Ajit Agarkar has a strong personality.” He is a decisive leader who does not back down from making harsh decisions. However, we must assess if he was encouraged by others to “fire the gun from his shoulder.”‘ A lot happens in the background when one plus one equals two. Perhaps the choice was made by the chief selector, and he was open about it, but the coach’s (Gautam Gambhir) advice had to be considered. You can’t make such a judgment in solitude; both are equally accountable.”

He also questioned the “cricketing logic” of the move, citing Rohit’s credentials as a seasoned leader with two ICC trophies.

“I am curious why there were concerns about Rohit competing in the 2027 World Cup. It was a mistake to doubt his abilities. When a player scores three double-centuries and plays with such a selfless attitude, as he did in 2023, you don’t question him. Removing him from captaincy cannot be justified only by cricketing reasoning.”

Rohit remains one of the world’s most reliable and selfless openers.

After winning both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in rapid succession, many people believed his removal was “unnecessary and disrespectful”. Tiwary claimed that dismissing Rohit’s capacity to play in the 2027 World Cup was a mistake, given his present fitness and form.