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The off-season between the 2023 edition and the 2024 one has been one of the most eventful periods in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, if not the most. Just as everyone was just about recovered from the entire Hardik Pandya-Cameron Green trade saga involving three franchises after the squad retention deadline, the Mumbai Indians (MI) made a huge announcement.
In a hue decision, MI have appointed Hardik as the new captain, effectively ending Rohit Sharma's decade-long stint as skipper. Rohit was one of the most successful leaders in the history of the competition.
When MI appointed him as captain midway through the 2023 season, they did not have a single title to their name. Now, with Rohit leaving, Mumbai have five trophies, which is a record they share with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
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The fans have not taken the decision kindly by any means, and MI have taken a serious hit in terms of social media following and other aspects.
On that note, let us take a look at some expert reactions to Rohit Sharma's removal as Mumbai Indians captain.
#1 Aakash Chopra
Former India batter Aakash Chopra interpreted the proceedings differently. Rather than focusing on the chain of events, he focused on Rohit's achievements over the last decade.
“Rohit Sharma was one of the finest captains - 10 years, five trophies. A very successful captain. He understands the pulse of the game and managed the team really well. He always kept team ahead of self. Whether it was opening for the side or batting down the order, he did everything for Mumbai Indians that was asked of him,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel
“The biggest parameter [to judge a captain is], the players who have played under you, do they want to keep playing more under you. That defines you as a captain and a player. Whoever has played under Rohit has said that he is a very good captain; I want to play under him. He gives me my space. It’s an end of an era. He is one of the modern greats,” he added.
It hardly needs to be said that Rohit was a beloved captain for the franchise. Following his removal as captain, several of his teammates have taken to social media to express how they feel about the decision.
#2 Wasim Jaffer
The former India opener expressed surprise at MI's decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain right after the trade.
Everyone expected this transition to come one day after it was announced that the all-rounder would return, but it was assumed that Rohit Sharma would guide the team for a while before leaving on his terms.
“I’m surprised that MI have moved on from Rohit Sharma so early. It happened so quickly, I’m also a little surprised. When they did the trade, it was probably communicated to Hardik that he is going to come in as the captain. But whether it was communicated to Rohit, I don’t know," Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.
Jaffer also pointed out that losing the captaincy could be a blessing in disguise and could be a weight off Rohit's shoulders.
"In a sense, it can be a little bit of a relief that you are not in that job. It’s little easier, you just focus on your batting. Knowing Rohit, sometimes the stress of captaining in the IPL has got to him. He has had a very lean couple of seasons. He would have wanted the leadership to be taken away from him, so that he can focus on his batting,” he added
Rohit's IPL form has been up and down for the last few seasons. A dominant season as a batter up the order might just prove to be the perfect statement right before the 2024 T20 World Cup.
#3 Irfan Pathan
The former India all-rounder took to Twitter to voice his opinion over MI choosing to remove Rohit Sharma as the captain of their franchise.
"Kitne bhi saal ki purani ye franchise kyon na ho jaae sabse upar naam Rohit Sharma ka rahega. (No matter how old the franchise is, Rohit Sharma's name will always be on top.)," Irfan Pathan posted on Twitter
The fans' reactions are enough evidence to showcase what Rohit meant to them. As Irfan Pathan mentioned, no matter what Mumbai Indians do in the future, Rohit's name will be placed at the very top of the MI folklore.
#4 Mahela Jayawardene
Mumbai Indians' Global Head of Performance, Mahela Jayawardene, had the hard task of acting as a mediator when the leadership baton was passed on from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya.
He penned a few parting words to recognize Rohit's exemplary work as MI captain since 2013.
"We express our gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership; his tenure as the captain of the Mumbai Indians since 2013 has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also solidified his place as one of the finest captains in the history of the IPL. Under his guidance, MI became one of the most successful and loved teams ever. We will look forward to his guidance and experience on and off the field to further strengthen MI," Jayawardene said in a statement released by MI
Jayawardene had forged quite a working relationship with Rohit, and it was their vision that led to MI fielding one of the most formidable teams in T20 history that won consecutive titles in 2019 and 2020.
#5 Harsha Bhogle
The prominent broadcaster termed Hardik Pandya's appointment as an 'open secret'.
According to reports, all of the details were finalized well before the move, with the all-rounder placing a demand that he wants to lead the side following the trade from the Gujarat Titans (GT).
"That Hardik Pandya would be captain of @mipaltan was an open secret. Rohit Sharma can lay claim to being, with MS Dhoni, the finest leader in the #IPL. It may not be a bad idea to let him relax and have fun because the IPL can take a lot out of you and he will have led India in 5 tests a little before that. While this is a move keeping in mind the next few years, it will be a huge challenge for Hardik given the number of stars in the side and the ambition of the franchise. It makes #MumbaiIndians the team to watch this year," Harsha Bhogle posted on Twitter
Did MI make the right call by roping in Hardik Pandya and awarding him the captaincy at the expense of the veteran? Let us know what you think.
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