The decision to remove Rohit Sharma as ODI captain just seven months after winning the Champions Trophy didn’t just shock fans.
It broke legends.
And now, former India star Mohammad Kaif has dropped a heartfelt truth bomb:
“Taking away Rohit’s captaincy is like taking away his right hand.”
In an emotional interview, Kaif revealed what made Rohit more than just a skipper; he was a 24/7 leader, a mentor, and a man who lived and breathed Indian cricket.
Let’s break down why this move hurts so deeply and why Sunil Gavaskar says it’s only the beginning.
🏏 The Man Who Never Clocks Out
Kaif shared a powerful story from IPL days:
Even when his family was around, he chose team over self.
Kaif said:
“He could’ve gone to his room. Watched a movie. Spent time with loved ones. But that wasn’t his job.”
To Rohit, captaincy wasn’t a role. It was a responsibility.
One fan tweeted:
“He led with his soul. And they removed him in one call.”
🔥 Kaif’s Verdict: “Rohit Was Captain 24 Hours a Day”
Kaif didn’t just praise him.
He mourned the loss of a leader who built culture, not just scores.
⚠️ Sunil Gavaskar’s Stark Warning: “Get Ready for Worse News”
While Kaif mourned, Sunil Gavaskar looked ahead, and what he saw wasn’t good.
He supports the decision to appoint Shubman Gill as captain for the Australia ODI series.
But he warns:
Why?
Because Rohit and Kohli now face a bigger threat than losing captaincy:
Losing relevance.
Gavaskar explained:
- Rohit retired from Tests and T20Is.
- He plays only ODIs.
- But India plays just 5–7 ODIs per year.
- How can anyone stay sharp for the 2027 World Cup with so little game time?
📉 The Harsh Reality: No Games = No Place
Without regular matches, even legends fade.
As one analyst said:
“You can’t train for a marathon by walking once a week.”
💬 Fans React: “They’re Forgetting What They Built”
Social media exploded:
“First, they take the crown. Then they reduce games. This is a slow exit.”
“If this is how we treat our heroes, who will lead next?”
Many compared it to Dhoni’s graceful wind-down.
“This feels cold. Not planned. Not kind.”
Final Thoughts: A Leader Without a Title
Rohit Sharma may no longer wear the “C” on his jersey.
But ask any player in the dressing room:
“Who leads when things go wrong?”
They’ll still say: Rohit Bhai.
Real leadership isn’t given by BCCI.
It’s earned with every late-night talk, every pep talk, every sacrifice.
Now, the question remains:
Will the board remember that?
Or will they forget the man who carried Indian cricket through its most successful white-ball era?
Watch & React
🎥 Watch: Kaif’s full emotional tribute to Rohit
📢 See: Gavaskar’s warning on future of Kohli & Rohit
💬 Comment below: Should Rohit have been given a farewell series, or is a change necessary?