The announcement of the new ODI captain has sent ripples across the cricketing world. The sudden change in captaincy was shocking initially. Shubman Gill was the favourite contender for the next ODI captain, but everyone expected the transition to occur one or two years ahead of the ODI World Cup. The decision was also supported by head coach Gautam Gambhir, which drew criticism from former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif.

In a passionate video shared on Instagram, Kaif slammed the BCCI for what he described as an unfair move against one of India’s most respected players. “Rohit Sharma ne Hindustan ko 16 saal diye, aur hum unko ek saal nahi de paaye bataur captain,” Kaif said, lamenting that a player who served Indian cricket for 16 years wasn’t given even one more year as captain. He pointed out Rohit’s remarkable record, 15 wins out of 16 ICC matches, with the only loss coming in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia.

Kaif went on to highlight Rohit’s heroics in the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2024 T20 World Cup, both of which saw India lift the trophy under his influence. “Champions Trophy ka last match Dubai mein, Player of the Match the Rohit Sharma. 2024 T20 World Cup jeeti Bharat, aur unke naam trophy thi,” Kaif noted, adding that Rohit displayed humility by stepping aside after leading India to glory.

“Unhone baddapan dikhaya — retirement le liya, bola naye players ko aane do. Thoda din limelight se bahar rahe, aur jab wapas aaye, unki jagah chali gayi,” Kaif said, expressing disappointment that Rohit’s selflessness was met with demotion instead of respect.

His point of concern was that Indian crickets treats their legends casually. He also mentioned that, although Shubman Gill has potential, it was too early to take the decision.