‘Me and Rahul Dravid…’: Sourav Ganguly opens up on Rohit Sharma’s removal from Captaincy, calls Gill’ move as…

Sourav Ganguly clarified that Rohit Sharma wasn’t sacked as captain, calling it a mutual, age-related decision. He backed Shubman Gill’s promotion, praising his leadership potential for India’s future.

New Delhi: Former Indian captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has made a significant statement regarding Rohit Sharma’s removal from captaincy. Ganguly clearly stated that Rohit was not sacked, but rather, it was a natural and mutual decision — as happens to every great player in the final stages of their career.

Every captain has to pause one day

Ganguly said that this situation is not new. He explained that a similar situation had occurred with him and Rahul Dravid. He said, “I am sure Rohit must have been spoken to. It would be wrong to call it ‘sacking.’ It must have been a mutual discussion. Rohit has been a fantastic captain — he has won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. The problem is not performance, but age. Rohit will be 40 in 2027, and that is a significant figure in the game.”

The decision to hand over the captaincy to Shubman Gill was correct

Ganguly supported the selectors’ decision to hand over the captaincy to Shubman Gill. He said that Gill demonstrated his captaincy skills and maturity during the England tour. According to Ganguly, this is the right move considering the future of Indian cricket.

He said, “Promoting Gill is not wrong. He performed brilliantly in England. It’s a balanced decision — Rohit can remain in the team while Gill can be groomed for leadership.”

The ‘Gill Era’ begins with the Australia tour

Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, will face his first test during the Australia tour. The three-match ODI series between India and Australia begins on October 19. The cricket world will be watching how the young captain Gill begins this new chapter.

Ganguly’s message: Change is necessary with age

Ganguly also explained from his experience that change is natural in the game. He said that every player has to take a break after a certain period to allow the new generation to have a chance. “It’s the law of the game — just like it happened with me and Dravid, it will happen with Gill one day. Everyone’s time comes and goes,” Ganguly said.

Story Highlights:

1. Sourav Ganguly said Rohit Sharma wasn’t sacked from captaincy.
2. Ganguly explained it was a mutual decision due to age and time.
3. Supported the decision to give Shubman Gill a new role.
4. Gill’s first challenge: the ODI series against Australia, starting October 19.