The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a major leadership change, removing Rohit Sharma as India ODI captain and appointing Shubman Gill as his successor. The decision, which ends Rohit tenure as one of India most successful limited-overs captains, has sparked widespread debate in the cricket fraternity.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary, who once shared the dressing room with Rohit, has strongly criticized the move, calling it “humiliating” and urging the veteran batter to announce his retirement from ODIs to “keep his dignity intact.”
“A Player Like Him Doesn’t Deserve This Kind of Humiliation”
Speaking to CricTracker, Tiwary expressed disappointment over the BCCI handling of the transition.
“I don’t think he (Rohit) is really in their plans anymore. Everything now depends on his performance. If I were Rohit Sharma, I would have considered retirement after this,” said Tiwary.
“A player like him doesn’t deserve this kind of humiliation,” he added.
Tiwary pointed out that Rohit record as India ODI captain is exemplary and that removing him after his recent achievements sends the wrong message.
“He didn’t just win one ICC trophy — he won two. He came so close in the ODI World Cup as well, performing brilliantly both as a captain and as a player. And let’s not forget — he has five IPL trophies to his name. After all that, to be treated this way is just not right,” Tiwary said.
Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record
Rohit Sharma track record as captain is one of the best in India history. With a win percentage of 75%, he holds the highest success rate among Indian ODI captains who have led in more than 10 matches.
Under his leadership, India reached three ICC finals, winning two — including the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India clinched without losing a single game. Rohit also led India to an unbeaten run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Australia despite his standout batting performances throughout the tournament.
Tiwary argued that given these results, Rohit deserved a more respectful transition, not an abrupt exit.
“Before they push him out, it would be better if he himself steps away — at least that way, he can leave with his dignity intact,” Tiwary said.
Shubman Gill Takes Over, Rohit Future Uncertain
The BCCI decision to appoint Shubman Gill as India new ODI captain signals a generational shift in leadership. Gill, 26, has been viewed as the long-term successor in India white-ball setup and is expected to lead the team through the next World Cup cycle.
However, Rohit Sharma immediate future remains uncertain. Despite losing the captaincy, he is still part of India ODI squad and is expected to return to action later this month for the three-match ODI series against Australia.
Rohit, 38, has yet to comment publicly on the decision or the speculation surrounding his retirement. Sources close to the Indian camp suggest he may continue until at least the 2026 Champions Trophy, though that could depend on his form and the team long-term plans.
End of an Era?
Rohit Sharma removal marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket leadership. Since taking over the white-ball captaincy from Virat Kohli, Rohit has been credited with building team stability, backing young talent, and bringing home silverware after years of near-misses.
Whether or not he decides to retire from ODIs, the Mumbai-born cricketer legacy as one of India most successful captains — and one of its finest batters — remains undisputed.
