Experts and fans alike heavily criticized Rohit Sharma's captaincy during the WTC Final defeat against Australia. Nevertheless, Ganguly has come out in support of the talented cricketer, highlighting his remarkable achievement of winning 5 IPL titles and emphasizing that it should not be taken lightly.

“At that time, Rohit Sharma looked the best alternate. He’s won five IPLs. Whenever he had been handed the opportunity to captain, like in the Asia Cup, he’s won. He was the best option. He’s led the team in the WTC Final as well this time around, even though we lost,” Ganguly added.

The upcoming 2023 World Cup represents Rohit's last opportunity to secure an ICC trophy for India. The Men in Blue have endured a 10-year drought without a title, with their previous victory occurring in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The former BCCI president had a single piece of advice for Rohit - to play with fearless determination.

“I want him (Rohit) to lead the team without any fear. We have a World Cup six months later. A team that has Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah – we don’t know if he’ll be fit by then – Shami, Siraj…that team will win some time. In my opinion….I have played with Rahul (Dravid) and have a lot of respect for him…he can take this team forward along with Rohit only,” he concluded.

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