Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has shared his views on Rohit Sharma’s removal as India’s ODI captain ahead of the upcoming three-match series against Australia.A recent change in India’s leadership saw Shubman Gill replace Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain after the first Test victory against the West Indies, where India won by an innings and 140 runs.
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“Rohit being dropped as captain was an interesting long shot. After such a great win in the Champions Trophy, I suppose the selectors are looking purely at the numbers. At 38, with a couple of years left before the World Cup, he becomes a bit vulnerable purely because of his age,” Hayden told JioHotstar.“The talent and class is always on display, as is the magnificent work, not only in terms of his own performances but also for India’s success as a team. Very similar to the Virat and Dhoni era, well done.”“But I think it’s a bit of an insurance to bring in Shubman Gill, make sure he’s in charge of all formats and especially help him learn leadership when Rohit Sharma is still in the dressing room. It would just be a bonus if Rohit gets to the next World Cup.”Rohit and Virat Kohli are all set to return to international cricket after their last appearance in 2025 when they won the Champions Trophy.“Between Rohit and Virat, you’re talking almost 600 internationals, the amount of experience and the workload. I really think they’ll have a great opportunity to perform on good tracks at the start of the Australian summer,” he said.“Everyone is very excited to see them Down Under and I expect them to be at their best. Thirteen thousand runs behind Virat, Rohit averaging almost 50 in one-day cricket in 273 matches, that’s an exciting prospect.”Hayden emphasized the importance of a balanced team composition in ODI cricket.“In my opinion, success in ODI cricket depends on the right combination of youth and experience and that is exactly what Team India has,” he added.“The youthful energy of someone like Jaiswal, along with the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, is vital. The same goes for the bowling; you need that youthful, athletic energy because 50 overs is a long time on the field. India have a great balance right now, a mixture of athleticism, passion and experience. And I’m sure some of the older players will already have one eye on the 202 World cup.”The series opener is scheduled for Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth.“One thing you can always say about Australian fans is that they absolutely love to see the best athletes. They celebrated Virat Kohli as their own and the same goes for Rohit Sharma. The crowds will be spectacular,” he continued.“Optus Stadium in Perth is an absolutely stunning venue and with over a million Indians living and working here, there will be an incredible support. They will celebrate Virat, they will celebrate Rohit and even though many are Australians, they will want to see India win.”
