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New Delhi: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh didn't mince his words while reacting to the latest leadership shake-up in Indian cricket. The veteran said he was "shocked" by the decision to remove Rohit Sharma as ODI captain, especially after leading India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year.
The BCCI selectors on Saturday announced Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, handing the 25-year-old an extended leadership role alongside his Test responsibilities. The move, which was seen as an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup has divided opinion and Harbhajan made it clear where he stands.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Harbhajan said Rohit had done enough to earn another series at the helm. “If you’re picking Rohit Sharma, you pick him as captain,” he said. “He just won you the Champions Trophy. I don’t see why you’d change that now.”
Harbhajan called Rohit one of the pillars of Indian white-ball cricket and felt the selectors could have shown a little more patience. “The next ODI World Cup is still far away. They could have waited six to eight months or even a year before handing Shubman the captaincy,” he added.
India's ODI tour of Australia is set to be played in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne between October 19 and 25, which will mark Gill’s first full-time assignment as captain. Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the series.
While disappointed by the decision, Harbhajan said Rohit's influence in the dressing room would not fade. “He’s averaging close to 50 in ODIs, that tells you everything about his consistency,” Harbhajan said. “He will still guide the youngsters, still be a leader, even without the armband.”
The former off-spinner praised both Rohit and Virat Kohli for continuing to drive Indian cricket forward. “These two are once-in-a-generation players. They will keep winning you matches and setting the tone for others,” he said.
Rohit's record as ODI skipper speaks for itself- 42 wins in 56 games with a win percentage of 76, including two ICC titles and a World Cup runner-up finish.
Harbhajan also welcomed the decision to name Shreyas Iyer as Gill’s deputy. “He’s someone who doesn’t get enough credit. His knocks in the last World Cup were outstanding. As vice-captain, he will bring a lot of positive energy and fresh ideas,” he said.
Harbhajan’s words echo what many fans have been wondering - was it really time to move on from Rohit Sharma or did Indian cricket just rush a change that could have waited a little longer?
