India’s cricketing circles are still abuzz after Shubman Gill was appointed as the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has expressed concerns over the timing and pressure surrounding Gill’s sudden elevation.
Kaif Highlights Pressure on Shubman Gill
According to Mohammad Kaif, Gill did not want the captaincy initially and was pressured by the BCCI selectors, including chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Gill has been named India’s Test and ODI captain and will also succeed Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is after the next World Cup. Kaif feels this rapid delegation of responsibilities could backfire on the young captain.
“This was expected, but I felt it should happen after the 2027 World Cup. The load falls on Gill too early. A player never asks for captaincy. The selectors pressurised him,” Kaif said during a YouTube video post.
Rohit Sharma’s Career Impact
Kaif also voiced concerns over Rohit Sharma’s future form. Having led India to the Champions Trophy, Rohit’s abrupt removal as captain may affect his batting confidence. Kaif stated, “When you snatch captaincy, a player loses his right hand. Rohit will now be judged match by match, series by series.”
The Bigger Picture for Indian Cricket
Gill’s elevation reflects the BCCI’s long-term planning but has sparked debates about workload management and player welfare. With India set to tour Australia in October, cricket enthusiasts will closely watch how both Gill and Rohit navigate their roles in the team ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
India’s ODI Context: Shubman Gill now leads in ODIs, Tests, and as T20I vice-captain, while Rohit Sharma prepares for his next series with added scrutiny on his performances.
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