election of Rohit Sharma for Australia Tour Sparks Debate Over His Role
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Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim has publicly challenged the decision to retain Rohit Sharma in India’s squad for the upcoming Australia tour after he was stripped of the ODI captaincy. Speaking on the YouTube channel Kadak, Karim questioned whether the selection committee has a clear strategy for Rohit’s role, especially with the 2027 World Cup in view.
“If he is not captain, then it’s obvious you don’t see him fitting into your 2027 plans. So then why keep him?” he asked. Karim pointed to Rohit’s exemplary captaincy record — including a 75% win rate in ODIs and leading India to the Champions Trophy in 2025 — as evidence that his leadership still holds value.
Meanwhile, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, defended the move by emphasizing the need to build consistency under the new ODI captain Shubman Gill. Agarkar cited limited match opportunities and the challenge of managing captains across formats as driving forces behind the decision.
Rohit, now 38, will be close to 40 by the time of the 2027 World Cup, raising legitimate concerns about his long-term fitness and relevance. The situation lays bare a tension: whether Indian cricket should prioritize loyalty and experience or decisively transition to younger leadership.
