Mohammad Kaif criticised the AjitAgarkar-led selection committee over Rohit Sharma

Kaif slammed the committee’s decision to end Rohit Sharma’s tenure as an ODI captain.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif strongly slammed the selection committee led by AjitAgarkar over Rohit Sharma. He criticised the committee’s decision to end Rohit Sharma’s tenure as an ODI captain. On Saturday, Agarkar made the announcement official in a press conference for the impending white-ball tour of Australia, naming Shubman Gill as the new skipper.

Mohammad Kaif criticised the AjitAgarkar-led selection committee.

On Saturday, the selection committee made the decision to end Rohit Sharma’s tenure as an ODI captain. Agarkar made the announcement official in a presser for the impending white-ball tour of Australia, as Shubman Gill was named as the new skipper. Gill already serves as the India Test captain and the vice-captain in the T20I format. Kaif questioned whythe selectors could not extend Rohit’s tenure until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He even reminded the BCCI of the 37-year-old’s winning percentage as a captain in ICC white-ball games. It is worth noting that Rohit has lost only one game as captain in ICC white-ball games, his only defeat being the 2023 ODI World Cup against Australia in Ahmedabad.

What did Mohammad Kaif say on the matter?

Kaif said, “Rohit Sharma gave 16 years to Indian cricket, auruskoeksaalnehi de paye (and we could not give him even one full year as captain)? Out of 16 ICC events, India won 15 matches and lost only one: the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. He also helped India win the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Under his leadership, India lifted trophies, including the 2024 World Cup.” He even reminded that earlier this year, Rohit was the Player of the Match in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where India won by four wickets.

Kaif said, “Rohit demonstrated the magnanimity of his character by retiring at the right time and stepping away from the spotlight to let new players take the lead. He guided, taught and supported young players under pressure. But, despite his success, he was not allowed to captain for the 2027 World Cup. Many may feel it was unfair that after giving India multiple ICC trophies. Rohit Sharma was replaced too soon.” He even questioned the rush by the BCCI in handing over the captaincy duty to Gill, as he felt the selectors could have pushed the decision till 2027. He concluded, “Shubman Gill takes over as captain. He’s young and promising. But what was the need to rush it? What was the need to go overboard in giving Gill everything? His time will come. But, it was still Rohit Sharma’s time.”