Harsha Bhogle and Cricket Legends React to Rohit Sharma’s ODI Captaincy Change: Legacy, Criticism & Gill’s New Era

Oct 6, 2025

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The Indian cricket landscape is witnessing a momentous transition: Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most successful white-ball captains, has been replaced by Shubman Gill as the leader of the ODI team. The decision, taken by the selectors ahead of the October 2025 Australia series, has sparked intense debate across cricketing circles.
In this article, we explore Harsha Bhogle’s analysis, reactions from former players, critics, and fans, and try to understand the rationale behind such a bold shift. Through tables, expert opinions, statistics, and narrative flow, we delve into what this means for Rohit, for Gill, and for India’s white-ball future.

Context: What Exactly Changed?

Before diving into reactions and analysis, let’s set the factual stage:

Aspect	Before	After / Change
ODI Captain	Rohit Sharma	Shubman Gill
Announcement / Timing	Decision communicated in early October 2025	Officially announced ahead of Australia tour, with selectors saying it was “in the best interest of the team” The Indian Express+1
Inclusion of Rohit & Kohli	As captain and key veteran respectively	They remain in the squad, but no longer hold captaincy roles The Indian Express+1
Rationale by Selectors	Maintain continuity and leadership consistency	Age, fitness, long-term planning toward 2027 World Cup, inability to sustain three different captains across formats The Indian Express+2India Today+2

The selectors, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, explained that they wanted to give Gill sufficient runway to build as an ODI captain ahead of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. They also asserted that “having three different captains in three formats is not practical,” citing planning difficulties. The Indian Express Agarkar also revealed that Rohit was informed in advance, though he refused to reveal his personal reaction. Hindustan Times

This shift may appear sudden, but it follows a pattern of India gradually grooming younger leaders across formats.

Harsha Bhogle’s Perspective: Legacy, Respect & Transition

Harsha Bhogle, one of India’s foremost cricket commentators and analysts, gave a measured yet poignant take on the situation. From the transcripts and video snippets of his commentary:

Bhogle begins by expressing that he would have liked Rohit to continue as ODI captain, reflecting the sentiment of fans and pundits who feel Rohit still had value in leadership. YouTube
Yet he also frames that Rohit will go down as one of the greatest white-ball captains of the modern era — a recognition of the legacy and achievements that such a change should not erase. YouTube+2YouTube+2
Bhogle often highlights stats: under Rohit’s captaincy, India’s white-ball teams have been stylistically aggressive and daring, pushing modern cricket’s envelope. While the transcript doesn’t always list full numbers, his tone conveys that Rohit’s win ratio, tournament successes, and leadership traits make him exceptional.
He tempers critique with an understanding that age, fitness, and the future of the team must be considered. In that sense, he sees the selection committee’s decision as difficult but arguably defensible in the long run.

In short, Bhogle strikes a balance: admiration for the past, and cautious acceptance of the practical challenges of transition.

Reactions from Cricketing Legends and Experts

Harsha’s voice is influential, but he’s hardly alone. The cricket world has responded with a spectrum of praise, criticism, and speculation. Below are some of the prominent voices.

Harbhajan Singh: Disappointment & Shock

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh publicly voiced his surprise and disappointment at Rohit’s removal:

“… Talking about Rohit being replaced … it is a little bit shocking news for me to see Rohit not being captain. … He has been one of the pillars of Indian cricket when it comes to white-ball.” The Indian Express

Harbhajan agreed Gill deserves congratulations for the new role but felt Rohit should have been given one more chance—perhaps a transitional period of 6–12 months before handing over. The Indian Express

Mohammad Kaif: Sharp Critique of the Selectors

Ex-India batter Mohammad Kaif was blunter in his reaction. He criticized the timing, accusing the selectors and Ajit Agarkar of not giving Rohit even a full year to continue. The Times of India+1 Kaif questioned:

“What wrong has Rohit Sharma done?” and accused the panel of pressurizing Gill to take up the role too abruptly. The Times of India

Aakash Chopra: Questioning Rohit’s ODI Future

Analyst Aakash Chopra took a forward-looking view. He suggested that Rohit’s removal as captain is a sign that his 2027 World Cup participation is now uncertain. India Today While praising Rohit’s captaincy record — 56 matches, 42 wins, a 76% win rate under his leadership India Today — Chopra underlined how dethroning the captain usually implies a shift in how a veteran is perceived in the team hierarchy.

Virat Kohli & Others: Measured Involvement

While not much direct commentary from Virat has surfaced in these sources, some analysts predict that both Rohit and Kohli will now be treated strictly on merit, with selection decisions hinging more on performance than on past status. The Indian Express+2Hindustan Times+2

Dinesh Karthik: Emotional Tribute

Dinesh Karthik provided a touching tribute to Rohit:

“Rohit Sharma! Thank you so much … the legacy that you have left as a captain is in those big moments … you taught this current team what it takes to win … you started it with the bat …” Hindustan Times

Karthik’s words reflect the softer side of cricket transitions: admiration, gratitude, and acknowledgment of change.

Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Legacy: Numbers & Impact

To understand why the decision is so emotionally charged, we must look at the body of work Rohit Sharma built as a captain and cricketer.

Statistical Highlights

ODI captain record: 56 matches, 42 wins → ~ 76% win rate The Indian Express+1
Led India to ICC tournament finals:
- Champions Trophy victory (as captain)
- T20 World Cup success
- Runner-up in ODI World Cup 2023
Stylistic change: Rohit’s leadership ushered in a brand of aggressive, fearless cricket — he often led from the front, signaling that the team should follow his daring approach. (Mentioned by Harbhajan and echoed by Bhogle) The Indian Express+1
White-ball record: As a batting legend, Rohit holds records like the highest ODI individual score (264), most centuries in World Cups, and prolific performance in T20Is and ODIs. Wikipedia
Domestic & IPL leadership: His captaincy in IPL — particularly with Mumbai Indians — is storied, including multiple championships, reinforcing his leadership credibility in pressure settings. Wikipedia

Strategic & Cultural Influence

Numbers alone don’t tell the full story:

Rohit has been instrumental in evolving India’s white-ball culture: more front-foot play, risk-taking, aggressive intent even in chases.
His persona as a “captain who plays like a batter” gave confidence to others; he was often first to commit and show intent.
Under him, India won key tournaments and showed consistency across formats, building respect for his tactical acumen.

Because of this, removing him as captain carries not just statistical weight but holds symbolic consequence.

Why Did the Selectors Make This Move?

Understanding the rationale helps us see this not just as a dismissal, but part of a strategic maneuver.

Age, Fitness & Longevity

Rohit is now in his late 30s, and concerns about physical fitness, workload management, and long-term sustainability are natural. Transitioning leadership ahead of the 2027 World Cup allows the selectors to manage a generational shift while still including Rohit on merit.

Limited ODI Fixture Load

ODI cricket, in modern scheduling, is less frequent than T20s or Tests. The selectors argued that Gill needs maximum match exposure to adapt as captain ahead of a major tournament. With fewer ODIs played, waiting too late would deprive him of leadership innings. The Indian Express+2Hindustan Times+2

Practical Challenges of Multi-Format Captains

One of the official lines is that having three different captains (T20, ODI, Test) complicates planning for coach, management, and team cohesion. The selectors believe centralizing at least two formats under a unified captain (Gill) simplifies long-term strategy. The Indian Express

Grooming Gill & Future Investment

Gill is already Test captain and vice-captain in T20s. Elevating him in ODI is a step toward an all-format leadership model. The selectors seem to be signaling that the Gill era is beginning. The Indian Express+1

Respect Amid Transition

Selectors emphasize that Rohit was informed and included in planning—he wasn’t sidelined suddenly. While the public doesn’t know Rohit’s reaction, internal communication method appears aimed to be respectful. Hindustan Times+2The Indian Express+2

Challenges & Risks Ahead for Gill and Rohit

Transitions of this magnitude rarely go smoothly. Here are some potential hurdles and things to watch out for.

For Shubman Gill

Leadership under scrutiny: Every decision, success or failure, will be polarized because he steps into big shoes.
Balancing roles: Gill remains Test captain and vice T20 captain — managing time, tactics, and consistency across formats is challenging.
Experience vs Experimentation: He will be tested on whether he can combine Rohit’s calmness with the aggression the white-ball side demands.

Some praise is already coming his way: England’s Jos Buttler described Gill’s captaincy as a blend of Kohli’s fiery intensity and Rohit’s poised composure. Reuters

For Rohit Sharma

Redefined role: Transitioning from captain to senior batter can be psychologically complex. He’ll have to accept a secondary role in team decisions.
Selection uncertainty: As Aakash Chopra signaled, being removed as captain often signals a shift in how selection panels assess a veteran’s inclusion. India Today
Motivation & legacy: Maintaining performance, fitness, and positive influence can preserve his legacy. Poor form might accelerate being phased out.

For Team & Fans

Fan expectations: The audience expects seamless continuation, not disruption. If early results under Gill falter, criticism will magnify.
Changing dynamics: Senior players may have to adjust to new leadership styles and communication.
Pressure on selectors: If the experiment fails, selectors will be under fire for ousting one of India’s greatest captains.

What This Means for India’s White-Ball Future

This shift is more than symbolic — it could define India’s approach to white-ball cricket between now and 2027:

Youth-led core: Gill, backed by younger batsmen and bowlers, will likely receive more run and autonomy.
Cohesive captaincy model: Aligning Test and ODI leadership under the same person simplifies long-term strategy, at least for now.
Incremental transition away from legends: Kohli and Rohit will remain in the mix for the near future, but their roles may diminish gradually.
Tournament-focused readiness: With fewer ODI matches globally, the team will prioritize preparation for major ICC events.
Legacy maintained through respect: How the transition is handled will reflect on Indian cricket’s institutional respect for its icons.

If Gill succeeds, India might emerge with a leader already battle-hardened by 2027. If not, the echo of Rohit’s era will be a benchmark against which Gill is always measured.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Harsha Bhogle’s commentary captures the bittersweet essence of this moment: admiration for Rohit’s legacy, mixed with recognition that change is inevitable.
Legendary players have largely expressed disappointment or shock, highlighting how deeply Rohit’s captaincy is revered.
The selectors’ logic — focused on age, practicality, and future planning — is defensible, even if controversial.
The burden now falls on Gill to carve his own identity, and on Rohit to gracefully transition.
Cricket fans will watch closely: one decade’s chapter ends, another begins.

This moment is not just about one man losing captaincy — it’s about an era handing over to the next generation. In sports, changes like this are inevitable; how they’re executed and handled often define the sport’s culture and values for years.

Disclaimer:
This article is an analytical discussion based on publicly available information, statements, reactions, and media reporting. It does not include any private or undisclosed conversations. All opinions expressed are interpretive and meant for readers’ consideration rather than confirmed fact.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.