Mumbai Indians' decision to replace captain Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season remains the most talked about topic in the cricketing world. Rohit, who led the Indian team phenomenally in the 2023 Cricket World Cup but lost the final to Australia, would no longer be at the helm when MI takes the field in the IPL next season. But Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar doesn't think this is a move that should bring people into 'good or evil'.
“We shouldn't go into right and wrong. But the decision they have taken is for the benefit of the team. In the last two years, Rohit's contribution, even with the bat, has dipped a bit. Earlier, he used to play big to score, but the last two years they finished at number 9 or number 10 the year before and last year they qualified for the play-offs,” Gavaskar said in a chat on Star Sports.
Gavaskar believes that the decision was taken by Mumbai Indians as Rohit looked 'tired' due to the leadership responsibilities not only in the IPL but also in international cricket. Hence, it makes sense for Gavaskar to have a captain like Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to two finals in the last two seasons.
“But we missed the mojo in Rohit Sharma that we saw in the last few years. Maybe he was a little tired because of playing cricket all the time, he was a little tired because of his captaincy, leading India and the franchise.” he added.
“I feel they have made this decision keeping in mind that Hardik is a young captain who has achieved results. Hardik has led Gujarat to the final twice and he has led them to the title in 2022. I think they will give him made captain by considering all this.”
“Sometimes you need fresh thinking. Hardk brings that fresh way of thinking with him. I think the decision will only benefit Mumbai Indians, it will not deter them,” he added.
Be it Rohit or Hardik, none of these players have officially made any public statement since the change in captaincy was confirmed by Mumbai Indians. But it was earlier reported that the role of captain was one of Hardik's demands when he was approached by Mumbai Indians to leave Gujarat Titans.
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