The change in India’s ODI captaincy has officially marked the end of the Rohit Sharma era, ushering in a new phase under Shubman Gill. The announcement by chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed what had long been anticipated — that the selectors were looking to prepare the next generation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

While many fans expressed disappointment over Rohit’s removal, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar viewed the decision as a pragmatic move for the team’s long-term stability. According to Gavaskar, even Rohit understands and supports the selectors’ decision. Gavaskar, speaking to Sports Tak, explained that India’s current international schedule leaves limited room for ODI cricket, which complicates Rohit’s role in the setup.

“We don’t know whether Rohit Sharma will be ready for the 2027 World Cup. He only plays ODIs now, and if you look at the international calendar, India doesn’t have many ODIs scheduled. Bilateral tours are mostly focused on Tests and T20Is. If he only plays five to seven ODIs a year, he won’t get the kind of match practice required for a big event like the World Cup. That’s why the selectors decided to groom Shubman Gill,” Sunil Gavaskar explained.

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While acknowledging Rohit’s immense contributions — including leading India to the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup triumphs — Gavaskar reiterated that the decision was made in the best interest of Indian cricket.

“The team always comes first. Personally, Rohit has done a lot for Indian cricket. There are no two ways about his leadership quality. But he too agrees that when you are thinking two years ahead, a young captain needs experience and time to grow into the role. That’s the logic the selection committee followed,” Sunil Gavaskar added.

The former India captain also hinted that more difficult decisions could follow as the team management and selectors align their focus toward the next World Cup cycle.

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“If players are unsure about their long-term commitment to ODIs, they should be prepared for tough calls. There aren’t many ODIs left in the schedule, and players will have to find ways to stay match-ready, possibly by featuring in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” he concluded, underscoring the evolving priorities in Indian cricket’s roadmap to 2027.