The entire Indian cricket spectrum was stunned when Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Mumbai Indians franchise. The change in leadership confused many, while some saw the move as in line with the franchise's ambitions. Although the change has only taken place in one IPL franchise, responses have been received from both current and former cricketers. Yuzvendra Chahal, who is with the Indian team in South Africa for the ODI series, changed his Twitter profile picture in an attempt to show his admiration for Rohit.
Chahal's new profile picture shows him with Rohit in the Indian jersey. Here is the photo:
New Twitter/X profile photo of Yuzvendra Chahal.
– The bond between Yuzi and Rohit Sharma. pic.twitter.com/GFoT96GOVf
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 18, 2023
Mumbai Indians announced the change in leadership a few days ago and named Hardik Pandya as captain for the IPL 2024 campaign after the all-rounder was traded by Gujarat Titans.
“Ro, in 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to believe. In victories and defeats you asked us to smile. 10 years and 6 trophies later, here we are. Our eternal captain, your legacy will are etched in Blue and Gold. Thank you, Captain RO,” MI said in a message.
In the timeless Blue & Gold colours, the heartfelt tribute captured the essence of Rohit's captaincy history and expressed the collective gratitude of the Mumbai Indians fans. The video acts as a moving tribute to Rohit Sharma's lasting impact on the side and the ongoing legacy of his leadership journey, as the torch is passed to Pandya.
“Mumbai Indians today announced a major leadership transition for the upcoming 2024 season. Renowned all-rounder Hardik Pandya will take over as captain of Mumbai Indians, succeeding the longest-serving, one of the most successful and beloved captains in the world. illustrious Rohit Sharma,” MI said in a statement.
In November this year, Pandya moved from Gujarat Titans (GT) to his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) following a swap between the two franchises. The all-rounder spent two memorable years with GT and led their campaign with aplomb. In GT's debut season in 2022, Hardik provided a fairytale start, with the team lifting the coveted trophy, while in their second season they finished second after a last-ball defeat in a thrilling final earlier this year.
Pandya has big shoes to fill as MI's new skipper as Rohit has led the franchise to five IPL title wins.
With ANI inputs
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