‘Rohit Sharma can express himself freely with captaincy pressure gone’ - Former India spinner welcomes India’s leadership change

Former Indian cricketer Amit Mishra believes that being relieved of the captaincy burden could work in favour of veteran opener Rohit Sharma as he returns to international cricket during the ODI series opener against Australia on Sunday, October 19.

Rohit marked his last appearance as India’s ODI captain with the team’s unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy, with him earning the Player of the Match award for a scintillating 76off 83 in the final. However, the selectors have chosen to promote Shubman

Gill in the leadership hierarchy, starting with the three-match ODI series in Perth, Australia.

The decision by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee drew mixed reactions. However, Mishra sees the positive side of Rohit playing solely as an opener, believing the former skipper will now be able to express himself more freely.

“I believe it is good for Rohit that the pressure of captaincy is not on him anymore. He has the freedom. He has to focus on his performance and helping the team win. He can help Gill with different aspects of the captaincy,” said Mishra.

For Gill, leadership responsibilities have come thick and fast since May. After Rohit retired from the Test format with a brief announcement, the 26-year-old was tasked with leading India on a gruelling five-match Test tour of England. He lived up to the expectations, amassing a record-breaking 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including a career-best 269, as the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

With a long-term perspective in mind, Mishra believes it is better for Gill to take on leadership early, as it would allow him to mature faster and guide India for years to come.

“I think it is good for Gill. He has been captaining in the IPL for the last two years. He has led the top players across the globe. It is good that Gill is being looked at as the captain. Since he has been handed the captaincy early, he will mature quickly and can serve India for a long time. Gill should enjoy and look to mature as quickly as possible,” said Mishra.