Is there a rift between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma? Sunil Gavaskar reveals the truth
In an age where social media can transform even the most unexpected developments into trending debates, the recent transfer of India’s ODI captaincy from Shubman Gill to Rohit Sharma has ignited a storm of speculation. The move, which many fans and analysts did not see coming, has triggered countless discussions online, some thoughtful, others wildly imaginative. Many cricket enthusiasts are questioning the timing and reasoning behind the switch, given Gill’s recent leadership role and promising performances. Meanwhile, a few corners of the internet have taken a more dramatic turn, suggesting that Rohit Sharma might deliberately underperform to shift pressure or responsibility back onto Gill.
Sunil Gavaskar talks about the equation between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma
While such claims lack any factual basis, they highlight how quickly narratives can spiral in the digital age. Rohit, known for his calm demeanor and team-first approach, has yet to respond to the chatter, choosing instead to focus on preparation for upcoming series. Experts believe the decision may be part of a broader rotational strategy aimed at balancing experience with youth. Regardless of the reasoning, one thing is certain, when it comes to Indian cricket, captaincy changes rarely go unnoticed, and this latest move has once again set social media abuzz.
However, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has firmly dismissed the growing theory that Rohit Sharma might intentionally underperform to create pressure on Shubman Gill. Speaking to the media, Gavaskar emphasized that such claims hold no merit, explaining that no professional cricketer would ever compromise their own performance, especially when their position in the national team is constantly under scrutiny. Gavaskar, one of India’s most respected cricketing voices, pointed out that players at the highest level have too much pride, discipline, and commitment to indulge in such behavior. He noted that representing India is an honour earned through relentless hard work, and no player would risk that for the sake of speculation or politics.
In Rohit Sharma’s case, Gavaskar believes the motivation to perform well is stronger than ever. With discussions already swirling about his long-term future and possible role in the 2027 World Cup, the Indian skipper would be more focused on maintaining consistency and fitness than entertaining distractions. Gavaskar’s remarks serve as a reminder that behind the social media noise, athletes remain deeply driven by personal standards, team goals, and national pride, factors that far outweigh any off-field narratives or baseless theories.
"Over the years, a significant misconception among Indian cricket fans is that if a player is replaced as captain, he will attempt to undermine the new captain by not performing to the best of his ability. Nothing can be further from the truth, for the simple fact is that if a captain has been replaced and then doesn’t perform, he could be out of the team altogether. So, no player, however aggrieved he may feel at losing the captaincy, is ever going to underperform deliberately," former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Sportstar.
Gavaskar emphasised that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would go out of their way to ensure a seamless transition in leadership. He noted that players of their stature understand the value of stability and teamwork, especially in a side as closely followed and passionately supported as India’s. Leading the national team, Gavaskar said, is one of the most demanding roles in world cricket, given the immense expectations from millions of fans and the constant scrutiny that comes with it.
As Shubman Gill steps into a more prominent leadership position, how he navigates the dynamics of managing two seasoned and highly respected figures like Rohit and Kohli will be fascinating to watch. Their experience could serve as a guiding force, helping Gill evolve as a leader while maintaining team unity and performance. The coming months are set to reveal how this generational transition unfolds within Indian cricket.
"With that misconception still going strong, many are questioning if young Shubman Gill will be able to handle two former captains, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are part of the three-match One-Day International series against Australia. Gill has gone out of his way to say that his equation with them hasn’t changed simply because he is the captain now. If anything, he will only benefit by having these two stalwarts by his side. Both would be happy to offer suggestions if asked, and what could be better for a captain leading in this format for the first time than to have two of the greatest ODI players playing in his team?" noted Gavaskar.
