Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has reignited the debate around Rohit Sharma’s removal as India’s ODI captain, alleging that head coach Gautam Gambhir played a key role in influencing chief selector Ajit Agarkar in taking the decision. Tiwary described the move as “disrespectful” to a captain who had delivered major ICC titles and was still performing strongly in the 50-over format.
Rohit, who had already retired from T20 Internationals in June 2024 and Test cricket in May 2025, was expected to continue leading India in ODIs, especially with the 2027 World Cup in mind. However, the announcement of Shubman Gill as ODI captain for the Australia series in October raised eyebrows, coming just months after Rohit led India to the ICC Champions Trophy title.
‘Fired the Gun From His Shoulder’ – Tiwary’s Claim
Speaking to Sports Today, Tiwary suggested that while Ajit Agarkar is known as a strong decision-maker, such a major call could not have been taken without the coach’s involvement.
“Knowing Ajit Agarkar, he is a decision-maker. But whether he was influenced by someone to fire the gun from his shoulder is something we need to look at. A lot happens behind the scenes. Naturally, the coach’s inputs must be there. You cannot make such a decision on your own,” Tiwary said.
He added that both the chief selector and the head coach must share responsibility for the outcome, stressing that decisions of this magnitude are rarely unilateral.
Loss of Interest in ODIs Without Rohit as Captain
Tiwary admitted that Rohit’s removal has personally affected his interest in watching India’s ODI matches, even though Virat Kohli remains part of the setup. He also observed a visible change in Rohit’s on-field demeanor since losing the captaincy.
“The Rohit who used to be animated and authoritative on the field feels different now. I didn’t like how everything panned out. It felt disrespectful to a cricketer who has given so much joy to fans across the world,” Tiwary said.
‘No Cricketing Logic Behind the Decision’
Questioning the rationale behind the move, Tiwary argued that there was no cricketing justification for removing Rohit as ODI captain. While acknowledging that leadership transition to Gill was inevitable, he felt it could have been handled more sensitively.
According to him, Rohit could have been allowed to continue at least until the New Zealand ODIs, ensuring a smoother handover.
“When a T20 World Cup-winning captain and a Champions Trophy-winning captain is removed, it raises questions. Rohit has won two ICC trophies and nearly three. Doubting his ability for the 2027 World Cup was a big mistake,” he added.
Tiwary also highlighted Rohit’s selfless approach during the 2023 World Cup, where his aggressive mindset at the top set the tone for India’s campaign, calling him a “big-match player who always delivers.”
Ongoing Debate Around Leadership Transition
The comments have added fuel to the ongoing discussion around India’s leadership transition in ODIs, with fans and former players divided over the timing and execution of the decision. While Shubman Gill represents the future, Tiwary’s remarks underline concerns about clarity, communication, and respect in the decision-making process.
