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Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain and BCCI president, has recently took to media to remind critics of his decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian cricket team. This decision, which was made in late 2021, has been widely praised and credited as a masterstroke by many, but Ganguly has emphasised that he was the one who made this decision and that it was not a spontaneous move.
Background
Ganguly, who captained the Indian team from 2000 to 2005, has a long and illustrious career in Indian cricket. After his playing days, he became the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and played a crucial role in developing Indian cricket. One of his most significant decisions during his tenure was the appointment of Rohit as the captain of the Indian team, which was seen as a bold move at the time.
The Decision
In late 2021, Ganguly decided to hand over the captaincy to Rohit, replacing Virat Kohli. This move was met with scepticism and criticism from many quarters, with some questioning the decision to appoint Rohit, who was not the most experienced player then. However, Ganguly has consistently defended his decision, stating that it was a well-thought-out move that would benefit the team in the long run.
Defending the Decision
In a recent interview with the Bangla newspaper AajKaal, Ganguly reminded doubters that he was the one who decided to appoint Rohit as captain. He emphasised that it was not a spontaneous move but rather a carefully considered choice.
“I was criticised when I handed over the captaincy to Rohit. And now that we’ve won a trophy under his leadership, no one is abusing me. Everyone has forgotten that I made him the captain,” Ganguly told newspaper AajKaal.
He highlighted that Rohit had the skills and leadership qualities necessary to lead the team effectively. He also pointed out that Rohit’s performance as captain has been impressive, with the team achieving significant victories under his leadership.
Also READ: Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to Rohit Sharma’s appointment as Team India skipper for T20 World Cup 2024
Criticism and Response
Despite the team’s success under Rohit’s captaincy, Ganguly has faced criticism for his decision. Some critics have argued that Rohit was not the best choice for the captaincy, citing his lack of experience and the fact that he was not the most senior player in the team. However, Ganguly has remained steadfast in his defence of the decision, pointing out that Rohit’s leadership skills and ability to motivate the team have been crucial to their success.
Impact on Indian Cricket
The appointment of Rohit as captain has had a significant impact on Indian cricket. Under his leadership, the team has seen a resurgence in form, with several notable victories, a more cohesive team dynamic and India being crowned as the T20 World Cup 2024 champions. Rohit’s ability to balance the senior players with the younger ones has been particularly impressive, allowing the team to develop and grow together.
