Former Indian selector Saba Karim has questioned the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel decision to include Rohit Sharma as a player in the three-match ODI series against Australia. Shubman Gill has been handed over the ODI captaincy baton.

Rohit had a fantastic record as ODI captain, leading India in 56 ODIs, out of which the team won 42 matches, lost 12, tied one, and had one no-result. However, Karim questioned Rohit’s role in the team as a player. The former wicket-keeper said Rohit might not be part of the 2027 World Cup plans and if that is the case, he should not be part of the team anymore.

Saba Karim said via KADAK, “If you haven’t made him the captain, then why are you still keeping him in the team? It clearly shows that you don’t see him as part of the future, that he won’t be there for the 2027 World Cup. In that case, you shouldn’t keep a player in the team whom you don’t see as part of your plans for 2027. Then whether he remains captain or not, or even a player or not, doesn’t really matter. That’s why I said the selectors have acted in great haste with Rohit Sharma, and there was no need for it.”

Karim added that Shubman Gill will be seen leading India across all formats in the next season. Gill was also recently named as India’s vice-captain in T20Is for the Asia Cup.

He added, “You have elevated him and even made him the vice-captain in T20s. Now that you have made him captain, the thought is that very soon, maybe by the next season, we will see Shubman Gill leading in all three formats. Looking at it this way, their thinking seems correct. They feel that there is no other capable leader, and that’s why they are pushing Shubman at this time. He has also shown good captaincy, performing well in Test cricket. Now we will see how he does in ODIs, but yes, he has the capabilities to become a captain.”

Gill will lead India in the three-match ODI series against Australia.