'Why do we change our...' - Former India cricketer fumes over lack of stability in the Indian side

Indian Cricket Team (Source: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma took over India’s captaincy after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Since then, he has led the side in all three formats. But the startling thing to note is that Rohit has led India only in 6 ODI matches. These happened to be three in the West Indies and three in England. He has missed five ODI series since taking over the baton from Virat Kohli.

India’s captains have been constantly changed in ODIs as well. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul have been leading the side in the limited overs format in Rohit’s absence. Rahul has led the Men in Blue in 7 ODIs. Dhawan will end up captaining the side for 9 ODIs in total after the ongoing New Zealand series. Rohit had been rested to manage his workload in the build-up to the 20-20 World Cup. Other times, Rohit has been out of the side due to injury concerns.

Former India cricketer Akash Chopra has now questioned India’s policy of constant rotation of captains. He said that this is not the case in other countries. He gave the examples of Sri Lanka, Australia and England where the captains have been kept constant without any rotation. Here is what he had to say-

The seniors can take breaks during Indian T20 League- Chopra

"If you look at Sri Lanka, they are playing against Afghanistan, and Dasun Shanaka is leading them. England played against Australia, and Jos Buttler is still their captain. Australia chopped and changed a little bit but Pat Cummins led them in two out of those three matches (against England). If all teams around the world are playing with their original captains, then why do we change our captains so much? It's a valid question," Chopra talked about it on his YouTube channel.

He also talked about the coaching staff and the senior players of the Indian team taking breaks constantly which shatters the rhythm of the team. Constant chopping and changing also affect the morale of the players, he went on to say.

"Now, the time for experimenting is gone. Rohit Sharma, I believe he is our captain for the 2023 ODI World Cup, should take minimal breaks and keep playing. If you need a break, take it during the Indian T20 League. If Team India is serious about winning the World Cup, then they should start fielding their best XI as much as possible," he added.