Rohit Sharma wasn’t keen on Team India Captaincy after Virat’s exit, says Sourav Ganguly: It’s been quite some time now since the infamous Team India captaincy turmoil episode happened. The nerves have settled since then in the dressing room, but often, in some way or other, the discussion in the Indian media comes up regarding the issue. Something similar happened once again, when the former President of the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly gave an interview to Kolkata TV.
Post India’s loss in the T20 World Cup 2021, there were reports that the BCCI could take harsh steps to make changes to its leadership position. There were rumours that the then-captain Virat Kohli was likely to be removed from the white-ball captaincy, and he will only be in charge of the red-ball squad.
Soon on 9 December 2021, the BCCI, headed by Sourav Ganguly, announced Rohit Sharma to be India’s new ODI captain. It was reported that the cricket board wanted Virat to take the responsibility and step down from the role himself, however, nothing along those lines could become a reality.
The BCCI’s decision didn’t go well with the fans and the cricket experts, who had expected Sourav Ganguly to handle the situation maturely and wisely. There was rage among the fans as well, which was evident through the social media.
During the recent conversation, Sourav Ganguly opened up on what transpired the change in the leadership. He even mentioned that Rohit Sharma, who was eventually handed over the white-ball leadership role, was initially hesitant to take up the charge.
“Rohit Sharma wasn’t keen on captaincy. It had gone to a stage where ‘aapko ha bolna hai nahi toh main kar dunga [on Team India captaincy]’. It had gone to that stage. Because he is an outstanding captain. After Virat Kohli left, he was the best man to lead India,” Ganguly said.
When enquired about why Rohit Sharma, who was then the vice-captain of the side, was not willing to lead the team, Ganguly said he did not know the actual reasons, but he assumed that it could be due to the excessive workload which comes complimentary with the Team India leadership.
“Don’t know exactly. A lot of cricket. Men’s cricket, T20 cricket, lot of Cricket lot of pressure. IPL captaincy so he had a lot on his plate but nothing can be better than India captain. I am happy that he has taken it. And he is doing well,” Ganguly said.
Rohit Sharma’s initial impression after permanently getting the leadership reins wasn’t encouraging. In fact, after India’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2022, many people and experts criticised the Rohit-Dravid duo for damaging the team’s balance.
However, things have changed of late. Team India’s performance in the ongoing World Cup 2023 has spoken volumes and it has been a fairytale for the Men in Blue. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has garnered appreciation from all corners of the world.
Team India has been the sole team to remain undefeated in the World Cup 2023 so far. After playing eight matches, India’s performance in the tournament has been second to none. India will face the Netherlands in their last league stage fixture in the showpiece event before getting ready for the semi-finals.
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