Rohit’s record in IPL is phenomenal’: Ganguly on captaincy controversy

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said India’s
newly appointed limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma has a brilliant record as a
leader. Rohit has already won a T20I series as India’s
full-fledged captain against New Zealand. He is now set to lead India against
South Africa in a three-match ODI series, starting January 19 in Paarl.

Also Read: A pity: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach blasts BCCI for ODI captaincy axing

Under Rohit, India won Asia Cup (ODI) and
Nidahas Trophy (T20I) in 2018. India has not lost any matches under his
captaincy. Apart from that, Rohit holds the record of winning the most number
of IPL titles at five.

 “That’s why the selectors have backed him (on
whether he is hopeful of Rohit leading the squad successfully). He will find a
way to do well and I hope he does,” Ganguly told News18.

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“His record for IPL (Mumbai Indians) is
phenomenal… winning five titles. He captained India in Asia Cup a couple of
years ago which India won as well, and India won without Kohli. To win a title
without him spoke volumes of that team’s strength. So he has had success in big
tournaments. He has a good team. So hopefully they can all turn it around,” the
BCCI President said.

Earlier this week, the BCCI confirmed the
appointment of Rohit Sharma as India’s full-time white-ball captain. The Indian
opener was named the ODI skipper on Wednesday, having already been appointed
the T20I captain last month. In addition, Rohit was also named Kohli’s deputy
in Tests. He replaced Ajinkya Rahane.

Also Read: Ganguly is right in naming Rohit ODI, T20 captain: Ex-Pakistan captain

Virat Kohli had stepped down as India’s T20I
skipper after the T20 World Cup in the UAE last month but he insisted that he
would be focusing on leading India in ODIs and Tests. Therefore, the board’s
decision to appoint Rohit as ODI skipper has surprised many. Kohli’s childhood
coach Rajkumar Sharma even said the BCCI’s decision lacked “transparency”.

Also Read: Too much leadership: Sourav Ganguly on why Rohit replaced Kohli as ODI captain

Ganguly, however, said he had requested
Kohli not to step down as T20I captain ahead of the World Cup, and that the
selectors weren’t comfortable with having two different captains for ODIs and
T20Is.