‘Agar wo captain nahi hai…’: Rohit Sharma’s selection in India’s Squad for Australia questioned for…, his name is…

Former selector Saba Karim questioned Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in India’s squad for the Australia tour, saying if he’s no longer captain, his future in the 2027 World Cup seems unclear.

New Delhi: Former wicketkeeper and selector Saba Karim has strongly criticized the BCCI over the new captaincy controversy in Indian cricket. He questioned whether stripping Rohit Sharma of the ODI captaincy just months after winning the Champions Trophy is part of a misguided team management strategy.

“If there’s no future, why is he in the team?” – Saba Karim’s argument

Saba Karim clearly stated that if the selectors believe Rohit will not be a part of the 2027 World Cup, then there’s no justification for retaining him in the current squad.  He said, “Why are you keeping him in the team? If he’s not the captain, then it’s clear you don’t see him in the future. So, keeping such a player in the team is wrong.” Karim believes the selection committee should show clarity—either remove Rohit from the team entirely or give him a respectable role.

A fresh start under Gill’s leadership, but questions remain

New selection chief Ajit Agarkar clarified that Shubman Gill was appointed ODI captain with the 2027 World Cup in mind. He argued that a permanent captain needs to be groomed now, amid limited ODI fixtures. However, Karim believes the decision was made in haste and that the team management appears to be torn between “short-term success and long-term vision.”

Rohit Sharma’s record speaks for itself

Thirty-eight-year-old Rohit Sharma’s captaincy record is no secret. Under his leadership, India won the 2025 Champions Trophy, and his 75% win percentage in ODIs is the highest among Indian captains who have led the team in more than 50 matches.

Karim said, “Rohit built the team, balanced it, and won titles. He gave the team direction by focusing on one format.”

Future plan or confusing message?

Saba Karim’s comments indicate that the team selected for the Australia tour has created confusion among cricket fans. If the BCCI is focusing on a young future, then retaining Rohit until he’s 40 isn’t logical.

But if the board still considers his presence crucial to the team, stripping him of the captaincy seems somewhat contradictory.

Story Highlights

1. Saba Karim criticized the BCCI for removing Rohit Sharma from the ODI captaincy.
2. Karim said, “If there’s no place for the 2027 World Cup, why is he in the team?”
3. Ajit Agarkar appointed Shubman Gill as captain with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
4. Rohit’s 75% win percentage and the 2025 Champions Trophy win still raise questions about the selection committee.