Hayden surprised with Rohit's removal as captain

• Rohit Sharma was surprisingly removed as India's ODI captain replaced by Shubman Gill.
• Hayden notes grooming Gill for 2027 WC; values Rohit & Kohli's mentorship
• De Villiers hopes Rohit & Kohli play well, targeting the 2027 World Cup.

Matthew Hayden said that he was surprised to see Rohit Sharma being removed from his role as India's ODI captain, especially after he guided the team to the Champions

Trophy title earlier this year. When the BCCI announced India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on Sunday, October 19, it dropped a bombshell as Rohit was replaced by Shubman Gill as skipper of the Men in Blue in the 50-over format.

While the move to sack Rohit took Hayden by surprise, the former Australian opener understands that the team management is looking to groom Shubman as the new leader ahead of important events which are lined up in the years to come. The Punjab batter has already taken charge as the Test captain and has been named as Suryakumar Yadav's deputy in T20Is.

"Look, more than likely. But they're going to have their mind's eye on the 2027 World Cup. And so they should. I was kind of surprised, actually, that after the Champions Trophy, Rohit was unpacked as captain. But I also get it. Shubman Gill is being groomed. It takes time to build a leader,” said Hayden on the launch of Test Twenty.

Hayden believes that the presence of Rohit and Virat Kohli will do wonders, especially for the youngsters in the side, as they are not just great players but excellent mentors. The cricketer-turned-commentator hoped that this would not turn out to be the last tour for the two talismanic batters.

"Having Rohit in the house, having Virat in the house, that's gold. They're not just players; they're mentors in the dugout. I hope it's not their last [tour], but you can't play forever, unfortunately,” he added.

They [Rohit and Kohli] know what they still want to achieve: AB de Villiers

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that he is excited to see Rohit and Kohli back playing competitive cricket. He wished them a great finish to their international careers.

"I'll probably answer in a similar manner as Haydos. I'm just happy we can still see them play competitive cricket. They know what they still want to achieve - and as Hayden alluded to, that 2027 World Cup is probably the main target. I just wish them all the success and a fantastic end to their careers, whenever that may finish,” said De Villiers.