Delhi: Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has strongly criticized the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in which Rohit Sharma was removed from the captaincy of the Indian ODI team. The BCCI on Saturday appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain, who replaced Rohit. Significantly, Rohit Sharma won the title of ICC Champions Trophy to India earlier this year and won 42 out of 56 ODIs under his captaincy.

“Why was Rohit not given one more year?” – Kaif

Kaif, in the video posted on his X (X) account, questioned why Rohit was not given another year in captaincy despite his brilliant performance. He said, “Rohit Sharma gave India 16 years, but we could not give him even a year. As captain, he won 15 out of 16 ICC tournaments, lost the finals of 2023. He remained ‘Player of the Match’ and won the trophy in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He also won the World Cup of 2024. He did not win.”

“As long as there is time, let it go”

Kaif said that in India, it is said, “As long as you have time, it should be allowed to run.” But this did not happen in Rohit’s case. He said that Rohit gave guidance to many players, strengthened the team, yet he was removed from the captaincy before the preparation of the 2027 World Cup.

“Gill can become a good captain, but not yet”

Kaif admitted that Shubman Gill is a talented player and can prove to be a good captain in the future, but not so much hurry. He said, “The captain who won two ICC trophy in eight months will now be replaced by Shubman Gill. Gill is young, his time will come, but it was Rohit’s time right now.”

Rohit’s new chapter

Now Rohit Sharma will start a new chapter of his career from October 19, when he will enter the team as a normal player. This change can be emotional for fans, as this will be the first time when Rohit will play the role of captaincy in the ODI team after a long time.