According to the latest cricket update, Mumbai Indians have announced that they have removed Rohit Sharma as their captain and appointed Hardik Pandya as his successor for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision comes after Mumbai Indians traded Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans in exchange for INR 15 crore in their auction purse.
Why Rohit Sharma Was Replaced as MI Captain?
Rohit Sharma, who has been the captain of Mumbai Indians since 2013, has led the franchise to five IPL titles, the most by any team in the history of the tournament. He is also the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history and one of the most successful and respected captains in the cricket world.
Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, has been one of the most explosive and versatile all-rounders. He played for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2020, before joining Gujarat Titans in 2021. He led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2023 and also won the Player of the Series award for his outstanding performance.
The reasons behind this decision are not clear, but some possible factors are:
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In 2023, Rohit Sharma did not play any T20 International matches and had a moderate IPL season. There were instances where he missed matches due to health-related issues, including a match in IPL 2023, where Suryakumar Yadav had to stand in as the captain due to Rohit Sharma’s illness.
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On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has shown impressive performance and leadership skills with Gujarat Titans, leading them to the IPL title in 2022. His all-round performance has been commendable, making him one of the top contenders for the captaincy role.
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It’s also worth noting that Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams and has led them to the finals of the World Cup 2023. His desire to focus on his international career, especially in the longer formats, might have influenced the decision.
They also wanted to give Hardik Pandya the opportunity to lead the team, as they believe he has the potential and charisma to take Mumbai Indians to new heights.
However, it’s important to remember that these are professional decisions taken by the team management considering various factors. Both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya remain crucial players for Mumbai Indians and Indian cricket.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma and the Matchless Legacy that Hardik Pandya Inherits
Reactions from the Cricket Fraternity
However, the way Mumbai Indians handled this transition has been criticised by many in the sports news portal. Rohit Sharma was reportedly informed about his removal as the captain only 90 minutes before the official announcement, and he was not consulted or involved in the trade of Hardik Pandya. Rohit Sharma was also not given any explanation or justification for this decision, and he was left hurt and angry by the lack of respect and transparency shown by the Mumbai Indians management.
The cricket fraternity has reacted to this controversial decision with mixed emotions. Some have praised Hardik Pandya for his talent and leadership skills, and have wished him all the best for his new role. Some have also expressed their sympathy and support for Rohit Sharma, and have thanked him for his immense contribution to Mumbai Indians. Some have also questioned and criticised Mumbai Indians for their abrupt and unfair treatment of Rohit Sharma, and have warned them of the possible consequences of this decision.
Here’s how the cricket fraternity reacted to the decision of Rohit Sharma being replaced as the captain of Mumbai Indians:
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Suryakumar Yadav, who has captained Mumbai Indians in Rohit’s absence in the past, shared an emoji of a broken heart on social media after the announcement.
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Ritika Sajdeh (Rohit Sharma’s wife) reacted to the news by commenting on a yellow heart emoji under a tribute video for Rohit Sharma posted by Chennai Super Kings.
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Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin questioned the timing of Rohit’s request for a break, suggesting that it substantiated speculation about a rift.
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Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar urged fans and cricket experts not to jump to conclusions. He said that unless Sharma comes out and says something, it would be unfair to point fingers.
The latest sports news today is that Rohit Sharma has not yet reacted to his removal as the captain of Mumbai Indians. He is currently in South Africa, where he is leading the Indian Test team in the three-match series. It is not clear whether he will continue to play for Mumbai Indians or seek a transfer to another franchise in the IPL 2024 auction.
The IPL 2024 is expected to start in April next year, with 10 teams participating in the tournament. Mumbai Indians, who have won the IPL title in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021, will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing campaign in 2023. Hardik Pandya, who will be leading Mumbai Indians for the first time, will be hoping to emulate Rohit Sharma’s success and glory as the captain of the franchise.
A Cricket Update to Remember
This change in leadership marks a significant shift in the IPL setting. As fans and players alike adjust to this new reality, the latest news on cricket will undoubtedly continue to follow this story closely.
Whether this change will lead to success for the Mumbai Indians under Hardik Pandya’s leadership remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to your favorite sports news portal for more updates on this and other exciting developments in the world of cricket.