Gambhir Removed Rohit Sharma from ODI Captaincy: A new controversy has erupted in Indian cricket after former India batter Manoj Tiwary made startling claims regarding Rohit Sharma’s removal from the One Day International (ODI) captaincy. According to Tiwary, Indian men’s team head coach Gautam Gambhir played a significant behind-the-scenes role in the decision, indirectly influencing the national selection panel led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The statement has quickly become a talking point across cricketing circles, reigniting debates over leadership transitions, player treatment, and the power dynamics within Indian cricket’s decision-making structure. While no official response has yet emerged from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the allegations have fueled speculation and divided opinion among fans, former players, and analysts alike.
Background: Rohit Sharma’s Sudden ODI Captaincy Exit
The controversy traces back to October last year, when the BCCI announced India’s squad for a three-match ODI series against Australia. In a move that surprised many, Shubman Gill was named the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, particularly because Rohit was in excellent form in the format and was widely seen as a central figure in India’s long-term plans leading up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Rohit Sharma had recently captained India to major successes and remained one of the most experienced and respected leaders in international cricket. His sudden exclusion from ODI leadership was not accompanied by any detailed explanation from the board, adding to the confusion and speculation surrounding the decision.
Manoj Tiwary Breaks Silence with Serious Allegations
Manoj Tiwary, a former Indian international who represented the country in both ODIs and T20 Internationals, has now brought the issue back into the spotlight. Speaking to Sports Today, Tiwary claimed that Gautam Gambhir’s influence as head coach played a key role in Rohit Sharma’s removal from ODI captaincy.
While Tiwary acknowledged Ajit Agarkar’s authority and strength as chief selector, he insisted that such a significant leadership change could not have been made without broader consultation.
“Ajit Agarkar is a strong personality and is capable of taking decisions himself,” Tiwary said. “But such a big decision cannot be taken alone. Many things happen behind the scenes. The coach must have had an input in this.”
Tiwary’s remarks strongly suggest that the process was more complex than it appeared publicly, reinforcing the narrative that Gambhir removed Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy through indirect influence rather than an outright directive.
‘Rohit’s Enthusiasm Has Reduced’: Tiwary Expresses Disappointment
Beyond the administrative angle, Manoj Tiwary also spoke emotionally about the personal impact the decision appears to have had on Rohit Sharma. According to Tiwary, the removal from captaincy has visibly affected Rohit’s on-field energy and enthusiasm.
“I have played with Rohit,” Tiwary said. “It felt very insulting to remove him. Such a big player should not be treated like this.”
Tiwary went on to say that Rohit no longer looks as animated as he once did during matches. The former Bengal captain admitted that his own interest in watching ODI cricket has declined following Rohit’s removal, as he believes the decision lacked respect for a senior player who has contributed significantly to Indian cricket.
Defending Rohit Sharma’s Leadership Record
Manoj Tiwary strongly defended Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a leader, pointing out that there was no cricketing justification for questioning his ability or longevity. Rohit has led India to two ICC titles and remains one of the most successful captains the country has produced in recent years.
Tiwary also referenced India’s near-success in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the team reached the final and dominated most of the tournament.
“It is wrong to doubt Rohit’s ability,” Tiwary said. “He has already won two ICC trophies as captain. India could have won the 2023 World Cup final as well.”
He added that Rohit Sharma remains physically fit, mentally sharp, and capable of performing at the highest level until at least the 2027 World Cup.
Concerns Over Transition and Player Respect
While acknowledging the need to groom young leaders, Tiwary questioned the manner in which the transition was handled. He suggested that if the management wanted to hand over responsibility to a younger player like Shubman Gill, it should have been done gradually and with greater transparency.
“If the responsibility of captaincy was to be given to a young player, the process could have been implemented gradually and respectfully,” he said.
This sentiment has resonated with many fans and former cricketers, who believe leadership changes should be communicated clearly to avoid damaging a player’s morale or reputation.
No Official Response Yet from BCCI or Gambhir
Despite the growing debate, neither the BCCI nor chief selector Ajit Agarkar has issued an official statement addressing Manoj Tiwary’s claims. Gautam Gambhir, who took over as head coach amid high expectations, has also remained silent on the allegations.
The lack of clarity has only intensified speculation, with social media platforms flooded with contrasting opinions. Some fans believe the change was part of a long-term strategy, while others feel Rohit Sharma was unfairly sidelined despite his achievements.
Social Media Divided Over ‘Gambhir Removed Rohit Sharma from ODI Captaincy’ Narrative
The phrase “Gambhir removed Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy” has trended heavily across social media platforms, reflecting how deeply the issue has resonated with cricket followers. While one section of fans supports a youth-driven approach under Gambhir’s tenure, another group views the decision as abrupt and disrespectful to a senior statesman of Indian cricket.
Debates have also reignited around Gambhir’s assertive coaching style and whether it aligns with India’s traditional approach of backing experienced leaders.
A Complicated History: Gambhir and Tiwary’s On-Field Clash
Adding another layer to the controversy is the history between Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary. The two were involved in a heated on-field confrontation during a domestic match in 2015 between Delhi and Bengal at the Feroz Shah Kotla, now known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
During the match, Tiwary walked out to bat without a helmet and later signaled for one after seeing a fast bowler in action. Delhi players accused him of time-wasting, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly escalated.
Gambhir reportedly said, “See you in the evening, I will kill you,” to which Tiwary responded defiantly, “What evening? Walk out right now.”
The situation became so intense that umpires had to step in to prevent physical confrontation. Gambhir, visibly angry, even pushed an umpire during the altercation. Though the incident occurred years ago, it has resurfaced amid the current controversy, with some critics questioning whether personal history could be influencing opinions.
Tiwary’s International Career at a Glance
Manoj Tiwary represented India in 12 ODIs, scoring 287 runs, and played three T20 Internationals, managing 15 runs. While his international career was brief, Tiwary has remained vocal on cricketing issues and is known for his candid views on team management and player welfare.
His comments on Rohit Sharma’s captaincy removal have therefore attracted attention not only because of their content, but also due to his willingness to challenge decisions taken by those currently in power.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit Sharma?
Despite the controversy, Rohit Sharma continues to be a key figure in Indian cricket. While his ODI captaincy tenure may have ended, his experience, leadership presence, and batting prowess remain invaluable assets for the team.
Whether he regains a leadership role or continues solely as a senior player, Rohit’s future performances are likely to play a significant role in shaping public perception of this decision.
Conclusion: A Debate Far from Over
The allegation that Gambhir removed Rohit Sharma from ODI captaincy has reopened long-standing debates about authority, transparency, and respect within Indian cricket. Manoj Tiwary’s remarks have ensured that the issue will not fade quietly, especially in the absence of official clarification.
As fans wait for responses from the BCCI, Ajit Agarkar, or Gautam Gambhir, the controversy serves as a reminder that leadership decisions in Indian cricket are rarely simple—and often leave lasting impressions far beyond the scoreboard.
For now, Indian cricket stands at a crossroads, balancing its rich legacy with the demands of transition, while the conversation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s captaincy exit continues to dominate headlines.
