Robin Uthappa reacts to Rohit Sharma’s removal as India’s ODI captain

Table of Contents

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has weighed in on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to hand Shubman Gill the ODI captaincy, replacing Rohit Sharma. Calling the move “tactically sound” and “timed wisely,” Uthappa said the selectors were right to prioritize long-term planning over sentiment as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa emphasized that the timing of Rohit Sharma’s removal reflects forward-thinking leadership by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and coach Gautam Gambhir.

“He’s going to be 41 when the 2027 World Cup comes around,” Uthappa said. “So, you’ve got to keep that in consideration. It’s better to take a tough decision now when the stakes are low rather than waiting until it becomes a bigger issue later.”

He referenced India’s past struggles with late-stage selection dilemmas – notably the uncertainty around veteran players during previous ICC tournaments – arguing that clear planning can help avoid “uncomfortable situations” for senior cricketers nearing the end of their careers.

Uthappa was quick to defend Rohit’s legacy, calling him one of India’s all-time great leaders. “You don’t want something unfortunate to happen to a player like Rohit Sharma again,” he said. “He’s too good a player to be caught in that kind of situation. Maybe this decision ensures that transitions happen smoothly and respectfully.”

The former India opener acknowledged that both Rohit and Virat Kohli still have a role to play in India’s ODI setup, provided they remain fit and motivated. “If Rohit keeps himself in good shape, he’ll still be part of the side. Same goes for Virat – their experience will be vital in mentoring the younger core,” Uthappa noted.

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav regrets not playing under MS Dhoni, reveals how Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma differ as captains

Reflecting on the physical demands of international cricket, Uthappa pointed out that even the fittest players face the inevitable effects of aging.

“I don’t think form will dip drastically for players like Rohit and Virat,” he said. “But it’s about reflexes and rhythm – those little things matter. They’re not playing as much international cricket anymore, so maintaining that sharpness is tougher when your main games are the IPL and limited ODIs.”

Both Rohit and Kohli now feature exclusively in ODIs and the IPL, a workload designed to manage their longevity but one that also poses challenges in maintaining match intensity across formats.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play ODI World Cup 2027 for India