The 209-run loss in World Test Championship (WTC) final has led to widespread criticism of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at the big stage. Many former cricketers including Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting criticised his decision to bench Ravichandran Ashwin and opting to bowl first after winning the toss. With few years left in Rohit’s international career, former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has backed Rohit to lead India in future. In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Ganguly said that Rohit was the best option when Virat Kohli left captaincy.
“The selectors had to appoint a captain and that point Rohit Sharma was the best choice. He has won 5 IPLs. He had won everywhere where he was given the responsibility to lead the team like Asia Cup. He was the best option at the time,” Ganguly said.
Ganguly focused on the importance of winning five Indian Premier League (IPL) trophies as captain for Mumbai Indians (MI). He indirectly compared Rohit’s captaincy with that of Kohli and emphasised on how difficult it is to lead an IPL team over a period of two months compared to a World Cup which is a relatively short tournament.
“He played the WTC final this time. He lost but it happened in 2021 final as well. He led in T20 WC semi final. I feel that he didn't play well. Before this, we couldn't progress past the group stage (in 2021 T20 WC edition). I have faith in Rohit. He has won five IPLs, the same as MS Dhoni. Noone has done it. Winning an IPL is not easy. It is a very tough tournament. I have watched it closely for two years and this edition as well. Winning an IPL is even more difficult than a World Cup. Because there are 14 matches (league) then you play playoffs. In World Cup you enter the semi-final after 4-5 matches. In IPL, you become a champion after playing 16-17 matches. It is a tough tournament. I believe Rohit was the best option and still is,” the former Indian skipper opined.
Ganguly said that he has immense respect for head coach Rahul Dravid alongside who he played ODI World Cup 2003 final against Australia. He feels there is no shortage of skill or talent ahead of ODI World Cup in India later this year.
“I want him to be fearless. Whatever happens, happens. We have World Cup later this year. The team which has Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah. I don't know whether Bumrah will be fit before the World Cup. The team which also has Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami should win sooner or later. I have one advice for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, play fearlessly without thinking about the result, what anyone says on social media or I say doesn't matter,” the soon to be 51-year-old added.
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