Former India captain and legendary batter, Sourav Ganguly has made a huge prediction on current Men in Blue captain Rohit Sharma, asserting that the 'Hitman' won't play in another ODI World Cup as captain. Ganguly believes that the 2023 ODI World Cup in India is Rohit's only chance to lead the country at the quadrennial global competition. The Indian captain is currently 36 years old and by the time the 2027 World Cup comes around, the 'Hitman' will be 40.
Apart from making a prediction on Rohit, Ganguly also underlined Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill along with the 'Hitman' as three batters who would have to take the responsibility of churning out runs on a consistent basis during the World Cup if India hopes of lifting the trophy.
"Virat is playing very well. He has looked very good in the last few months and is batting extremely well and will be India’s go-to man along with Rohit Sharma. Rohit as captain is playing his first and last World Cup. I am speaking about the 50-over World Cup here which will come after 4 years. He could play T20 but this is a different format," said Ganguly on the Backstage with Boria show.
"And he too has a superb record in world cups. 5 hundred in the last World Cup where he was brilliant. Finally, it is Shubman Gill who has that class to stand up and win matches for India. Each of them will have to stand up if India has to win the tournament," he added.
The ODI World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 5 but the Men in Blue will begin their campaign on October 8 against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Leading into the mega event, the Men in Blue have a handful of ODIs to iron out their flaws, decide on the right combination and get some legs under them in order to be completely ready for the high-pressure competition.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'Not worth giving him a chance against India': Ramiz Raja urges Babar Azam to drop explosive batter from playing XI for tie against arch-rivals
Asia Cup 2023: Pathirana's record four-fer, fifties from Samarawickrama and Asalanka help Sri Lanka humble Bangladesh with 5-wicket win
