‘Gambhir Fired the Gun from Agarkar’s Shoulder’: Tiwary Slams Rohit Sharma’s ODI Captaincy Axing

'Gambhir fired the gun from Ajit's shoulder': Ex-India player on Rohit's ODI captaincy removal

The axe that fell on Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy has not just ended an era; it’s ignited a fierce debate about power, respect, and the very soul of Indian cricket. Now, former India all-rounder Manoj Tiwary has thrown a lit match onto the smoldering controversy, delivering a blistering critique that points a finger directly at the new head coach. In a stunning analogy, Tiwary claimed that “Gautam Gambhir fired the gun from Ajit Agarkar’s shoulder,” suggesting the chief selector was merely a front for a decision orchestrated from the coaching camp .

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Tiwary’s Explosive Allegation: The Man Behind the Decision

Tiwary’s core argument is one of process and power dynamics. He doesn’t just disagree with the decision to remove Rohit Sharma; he questions its very origin. By stating that Gambhir “fired the gun from Agarkar’s shoulder,” he paints a picture of a selection committee that has been sidelined, its authority usurped by the new head coach .

This allegation is significant because it challenges the official narrative of a collective, cricketing decision made by the selectors. It suggests that the move was driven more by a personal or philosophical agenda from the coaching staff than by a genuine assessment of team performance or future needs. For many, this erodes trust in the BCCI’s administrative structure and raises concerns about where the real power now lies within the Indian team setup.

Rohit’s Record: A Captain at His Peak

The decision to remove Rohit seems even more perplexing when you look at his recent track record. Just months before his ouster, he led India to victory in the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 . Under his leadership, the team had displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen on the biggest stage.

His personal form was also strong. He was not a fading veteran but a leader performing at the top of his game. Tiwary and many other critics argue that there was no compelling cricketing reason—no string of losses, no major tactical failure—to justify such a sudden and public demotion. The lack of a clear, performance-based rationale is what makes the move feel so jarring to fans and former players alike.

The Respect Factor: Why the Manner of Removal Matters

Beyond the politics and the record, Tiwary’s strongest point is about respect. Rohit Sharma is not just any player; he is one of India’s greatest-ever cricketers, a man who has served the nation with distinction for over a decade and a half. The way he was stripped of the captaincy—reportedly without a direct conversation and through a media leak—has been widely seen as a profound lack of respect for his immense contributions.

In a sport where legacy and honor are deeply valued, this perceived slight has resonated deeply. Tiwary himself admitted that the decision has diminished his own interest in watching ODIs, a sentiment echoed by a large section of the fanbase who feel their hero has been treated unfairly.

Gambhir’s New Regime: A Shift in Team Culture?

Gautam Gambhir, known for his aggressive and no-nonsense approach as a player, is clearly intent on stamping his authority on the team. His vision appears to be one of a younger, more dynamic, and perhaps more aggressive unit. Removing a seasoned, calm leader like Rohit could be seen as the first major step in that cultural reset.

However, the risk of this approach is alienating loyal fans and creating a perception of instability. Building a new culture is important, but it should not come at the cost of disrespecting the pillars on which the team’s past success was built. The challenge for Gambhir will be to prove that his methods lead to sustained success, not just short-term headlines.

Fan and Player Disillusionment: A Growing Sentiment

Tiwary’s comments are not an isolated opinion. They reflect a growing wave of disillusionment among both former players and the general public. The decision has been met with widespread criticism on social media and in cricketing circles. Many see it as a short-sighted move that prioritizes a new coach’s desire for control over stability and proven leadership.

This sentiment is dangerous for the BCCI. Cricket’s popularity in India is built on a deep emotional connection between fans and their heroes. When that connection is strained by decisions that seem illogical or disrespectful, it can have long-term consequences for the sport’s engagement and viewership.

What Does This Mean for India’s ODI Future?

With Rohit out of the captaincy picture, the mantle has likely passed to a younger generation, with Hardik Pandya or Shubman Gill being the frontrunners. While this transition was inevitable, the abrupt and controversial nature of Rohit’s exit creates an unstable foundation for the new leader.

The team now enters a period of uncertainty. Can the new captain replicate Rohit’s calm authority? Will the players buy into Gambhir’s new philosophy? And most importantly, can they deliver results that justify the upheaval? The upcoming ODI series will be a crucial test for this new-look Indian side.

Conclusion: A Decision That Echoes Beyond the Field

The Rohit Sharma ODI captaincy removal is far more than a simple change in leadership. It’s a flashpoint that has exposed tensions between administration and coaching, between legacy and renewal, and between cold logic and emotional respect. Manoj Tiwary’s explosive comments have given voice to a widespread feeling that this decision was not just a cricketing misstep, but a failure of basic decency towards one of the game’s great servants. The true cost of this move will be measured not just in wins and losses, but in the trust and passion of a nation of fans.

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