Sourav Ganguly backs decision to make Shubman Gill India’s ODI captain, calls it a fair move for 2027 World Cup

Kolkata, October 9 (2025): Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed the BCCI’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain, calling it a “fair and forward-looking move” keeping the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in mind.

Speaking at an event organised by Annapurna Snacks in Kolkata, Ganguly said he believes the decision was made in consultation with Rohit Sharma, who has been India’s limited-overs captain since 2022.

“Rohit has been an outstanding leader. In the last two years, he has won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy,” Ganguly said. “But I think what the selectors had in mind is that in two years’ time, when the 2027 World Cup takes place in South Africa, he will be 40 years old.”

Ganguly added that it’s part of the natural transition in sport where every player eventually makes way for the next generation.

“Ten years down the line when Gill turns 40, he too will face this situation. In sport, whether it’s Federer, Nadal, Sampras, or Maradona, everyone has to step aside at some point,” the former BCCI president explained.

The 52-year-old hailed Gill’s temperament and leadership skills, especially his performance as stand-in captain during the recent Test series in England, calling him one of the most promising young leaders in Indian cricket.

“It’s not a bad decision to promote Gill. He has shown a lot of maturity both as a batter and a captain. I think this move was discussed with Rohit, and it’s a fair call. Rohit can continue playing while Gill is groomed as the next full-time leader,” Ganguly said.

He also advised veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have already retired from T20Is and Tests, to continue playing domestic cricket to maintain match fitness and form.

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“It depends on how fit they remain and how they perform. Whatever opportunities they get, they should play domestic cricket. Otherwise, you lose touch, form, and rhythm,” Ganguly concluded.

With this endorsement from one of India’s most respected cricketing minds, the transition from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill marks the beginning of a new era in Indian ODI cricket—one eye firmly set on the 2027 World Cup.