Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden opened up about Rohit Sharma being removed as India's ODI captain, as the leadership role was passed on to Shubman Gill.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the Indian squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series in Australia. While veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were named in the ODI team, marking their return to international cricket, it was also revealed that Shubman Gill was named as the captain of the ODI side, thus replacing Sharma at the helm.
The decision divided opinions as many felt that the removal of Sharma right after the Champions Trophy triumph earlier this earlier was not needed. In contrast, others felt that Gill's appointment was a sign of long-term planning, especially with the ODI World Cup fast approaching.
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Now, Australia icon Matthew Hayden has spoken out about BCCI's decision as he labelled Sharma's removal from captaincy as an "insurance policy".
Earlier in the summer, Shubman Gill was named as India Test captain after Sharma announced his retirement from the format, while the Punjab-born opener was also declared as the vice-captain of the Indian T20 side ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
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Matthew Hayden on Rohit Sharma being removed as India ODI captain
Speaking to JioStar, the Australia icon said: "Rohit being axed as captain was an interesting move from afar. After such a great win in the Champions Trophy, I suppose the selectors are purely looking at the numbers. At 38, with a couple of years to go before the World Cup, he becomes a bit vulnerable purely because of his age. The talent and class are always on display, and so is that magnificent body of work, not only in terms of his own performances, but also India’s success as a team. Very similar to the Virat and Dhoni eras, lots of success.
"But I guess it’s a bit of an insurance policy to bring on Shubman Gill, ensure he’s in charge across all formats, and particularly help him learn leadership while Rohit Sharma is still in the dressing room. It would just be a bonus if Rohit makes it to the next World Cup."
MORE: "Many Australians want to see India win" - Hayden
The former player further added: "Between Rohit and Virat, you’re talking about almost 600 international games, an abundance of experience and workload. I really think they’ll have a great opportunity to perform on good tracks at the start of the Australian summer. Everyone is very excited to see them Down Under, and I expect them to be at their very best. Thirteen thousand runs for Virat, Rohit averaging nearly 50 in one-day cricket across 273 matches, it’s an exciting prospect."
What next for the Indian cricket team?
India and Australia will lock horns in the first ODI of the series on Sunday, October 19, in Perth.
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