BCCI's decision to oust Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy just months after he led the team to Champions Trophy triumph has drawn harsh criticism from former India wicketkeeper and ex-selector Saba Karim.
Speaking on the Kadak YouTube channel, Karim questioned the ruling with a piercing query that strikes a deep chord.
Karim has held a number of administrative positions in the past. He served as the national selector before becoming the General Manager of Cricket Operations for the BCCI. The former international was not afraid to voice his disapproval of the present management. His main contention is that the selectors ought to be clear about Rohit's imminent position in the squad if they truly think he won't play in the 2027 World Cup.
“Team mein aap kyon rakh rahe hain? (Why are you keeping him in the team?)," Karim questioned. “Agar woh captain nahin hain to phir ek baat saaf hai na ki aap unka future dekh nahi rahe ki woh 2027 ke World Cup mein rahenge, to phir aap aise khiladi ko team mein nahin rakhiye jo aapko lagta hain ki 2027 mein aapke hisaab se maujood nahin rahenge (If he is not captaining, then it is clear that you don’t see his future. You don’t feel that he will be a part of the 2027 World Cup. So, don’t keep a player whom you don’t feel would be a part of the 2027 World Cup.),” Karim added.
India's ODI captaincy change was noteworthy because Ajit Agarkar, the current chairperson of the selection committee, stressed the need of giving Shubman Gill enough time to get ready for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Agarkar explained the decision by pointing to the limited ODI schedule and the challenge of overseeing three different captains across formats.
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By the time of the 2027 World Cup is played, Rohit would be about 40. Karim concedes this fact, but contends that the selections are torn between immediate success and long-term goals. Unquestionably, Rohit has an unbeatable record as captain; he won the Champions Trophy in 2025, has the highest ODI win rate by any Indian captain with 50 or more matches played, and repeatedly showed that he enjoys taking the lead.
Karim also highlighted how Rohit developed the team and won the ICC trophies, pointing out that the player was focusing solely on one format. “Unhone team ko build kiya hain, unhone apko Champions Trophy aur T20 jitaya hai (He built the team, won you the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup)."
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Karim's criticism highlights the contradictory message the ODI squad for Australia tour has conveyed to cricket fans in general. It is illogical for India to continue using Rohit, who will be 40 by the 2027 World Cup, if they are making long-term plans. But it seems just as confusing to remove him from captaincy if they appreciate his presence on the team.
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