Manoj Tiwary Critiques Rohit Sharma's Ouster as ODI Captain

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has voiced his strong disapproval of the decision to strip Rohit Sharma of the ODI captaincy, suggesting that coach Gautam Gambhir's influence may have played a role. Tiwary believes this abrupt change is disrespectful to Rohit, who remains a vital player for the team. He questions the decision-making process and expresses concerns over inconsistencies in team selection, indicating a decline in his interest in ODIs. Tiwary's comments highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding this significant shift in Indian cricket leadership.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 15:02 IST

Manoj Tiwary's Strong Criticism of Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Change

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has expressed strong disapproval regarding the decision to remove Rohit Sharma from the ODI captaincy, suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir may have played a significant role in this choice. Tiwary, 37, has had previous disagreements with Gambhir, leading to speculation that personal animosities could be influencing this decision. He believes that the abrupt change in captaincy, given Rohit's experience and form, reflects a lack of respect towards him.

Rohit Sharma's Continued Importance to the Team

Despite retiring from T20 internationals in June 2024 and from Test cricket in May of the previous year, Rohit remained a crucial player for India's ODI squad, with hopes of reaching peak performance ahead of the 2027 World Cup. However, when the team was announced for the ODI series against Australia in October, Shubman Gill was appointed as captain, a move that surprised many and sparked considerable debate among cricket fans and analysts alike. This decision was particularly striking as Rohit had recently concluded his captaincy on a high note, leading the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Tiwary Questions the Decision-Making Process

In an interview with a sports media outlet, Tiwary remarked on the uncertainty surrounding the reasons behind this decision. He noted that Ajit Agarkar, known for his influential personality, is a key decision-maker and questioned whether external influences played a role in this outcome. Tiwary emphasized the need to examine the complexities behind such decisions, suggesting that the chief selector may have had a significant say, alongside the coach, in determining the captaincy change. He asserted that no single individual could make such a decision unilaterally, indicating shared responsibility for the outcome.

Concerns Over Team Selection and Interest in ODIs

Tiwary further expressed his concerns regarding inconsistencies in the selection of the playing eleven. He candidly admitted that his interest in watching ODI matches has diminished. The recent developments, including the removal of the T20 World Cup-winning captain and the Champions Trophy-winning captain in favor of a new leader, seemed unnecessary to him. Having played alongside Rohit, Tiwary felt that this decision was disrespectful to a player who has contributed significantly to cricket globally. Since that day, his enthusiasm for the sport has waned, attributing this decline to a lack of clarity surrounding the controversies.