Former India cricketer believes Rohit Sharma will change approach after being stripped of ODI captaincy | Cricket News
Rohit Sharma’s future in Indian cricket appears to be at a crossroads. The 38-year-old, who recently stepped down as India’s ODI captain, now faces a new chapter in his career after Shubman Gill was named his successor. The bold move by the BCCI has sparked debate over how this change could influence Rohit’s approach at the crease. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who played alongside Rohit, expressed concern that the removal of captaincy duties might impact Rohit’s trademark aggression as an opener. Over the years, Rohit has consistently set the tone for India in ODIs, particularly in major tournaments. In both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, he recorded the highest strike rate among Indian batters in the top five.
“Rohit has consistently raised the tempo in one-day cricket over the past few years,” Uthappa said on The KimAppa Show. “He’s transformed his game to play at a quicker clip. Being captain gave him the freedom to lead from the front and express himself aggressively. Now, as a regular player, he might be a bit more cautious. The selectors have also clarified that players will be picked purely on merit, so Rohit and Virat may temper their approach slightly.” Rohit’s final match as captain came in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, though he has made it clear he has no immediate plans to retire from ODIs. Still, with the 2027 World Cup approaching and Rohit turning 40 by then, maintaining top form and fitness will be a significant challenge, especially as he focuses on a single format. On the fitness front, Rohit has shown dedication to staying in shape. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar revealed on Instagram that Rohit has shed 10 kilograms, signalling his commitment to prolonging his career at the highest level. Rohit is set to make his return to the Indian ODI side for the first time since the Champions Trophy, participating in the three-match series against Australia starting October 19. Fans will be watching closely to see if the former captain can continue to lead by example, even without the captain’s armband.
