NEW DELHI: The elevation of Shubman Gill as ODI captain is being viewed as a tactical move with the 2027 World Cup in mind, as Rohit Sharma would be 40 by then. The BCCI’s decision got the backing of former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, terming it the right move.

‘Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma picked because of…’: Former selector hands reality check

“It’s not a guarantee both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form and a fantastic leader,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

“I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat. Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high quality, legendary players,” he added.

The upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia will mark the international return for Virat Kohli and Rohit after a seven-month hiatus, having last featured for India in the Champions Trophy final in March this. year.

Rohit Sharma’s selection for Australia ODI series under scanner: ‘Agar woh captain nahin hain…’

Former Indian chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar even raised concerns over their selection, since Kohli and Rohit’s participation has been limited to ODIs after their retirements from Tests and T20Is.

“Rohit and Virat have been great players over the years, but if you are playing just one format of the game, I believe the selectors need to take a call on this. I feel you cannot know or judge the form and fitness of. such players because they’ve had a long layoff after the last game they have played. It’s very difficult to assess their form and fitness,” Vengsarkar told Mid-Day.