(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly shed light on the intriguing backstory behind Rohit Sharma’s ascension to the captaincy across all formats in international cricket. Despite emerging as the natural choice following Virat Kohli’s relinquishment of captaincy in T20 and Tests, Rohit initially hesitated to take on the role, as revealed by Ganguly.
Ganguly disclosed the behind-the-scenes negotiation.
“Rohit [Sharma] didn’t want the captaincy because there was a lot of pressure on playing all formats – it had gone to a stage where I told him you have to say yes or I will announce your name. I am happy he has taken it now he is leading from the front and you guys can check the results,” Ganguly shared in an interview with Kolkata TV.
The 51-year-old further revealed that not only to Rohit, but he also had to make a request to the legendary India cricketer Rahul Dravid to become the head coach of the national side after Ravi Shastri’s tenure ended on a low following India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2021.
Ganguly acknowledged Dravid’s personal sacrifices, saying, “It’s a lot of time on road. [He has a] young family, two young boys, plus he has played all his life. So, it’s not easy coaching, being on the road all the time. But he agreed, thinking about Indian cricket and I hope he will continue in the future because a coach needs to be given time. This is not magic that he will change his team in three, four, or five months. He needs to be given minimum time.”
Speaking of India’s performance under Rohit’s captaincy in ODIs (after becoming the full-time ODI captain in February 2022), the Hitman led the team in 32 matches, boasting an impressive record of 24 wins, seven losses, and one draw. This remarkable 75% win percentage positions Rohit as a dynamic and successful ODI skipper.
Rohit all has a chance to become the World Cup-winning captain as India is only two wins away from lifting the title, having qualified for the semis of the ongoing tournament already.