New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- Former leg-spinner Amit Mishra believes that being relieved of the captaincy burden could turn into an asset for veteran opener Rohit Sharma during his return to the international circuit during the ODI series opener against Australia on Sunday.

On March 7, India's unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy concluded on a fairytale note with Rohit being named Player of the Match for his rollicking 76(83) in the final. The batting masterclass became Rohit's last act as the Indian ODI captain as the selectors opted to promote Shubman Gill in the leadership hierarchy, beginning with the three 50-Over fixtures in Australia in Perth.

The decision from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee was met with mixed reactions. Whil...