Recent reports on social media have hinted at unrest within the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp following the announcements of Hardik Pandya's captaincy and his trade from Gujarat Titans.
Cryptic posts from players Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah fueled speculation, suggesting dissatisfaction with the change in captaincy after Rohit Sharma was removed unceremoniously after 10-trophy laden years.
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There were even suggestions of potential trades involving key players like Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, or Jasprit Bumrah - especially with the Chennai Super Kings.
Mumbai Indians have vehemently denied these rumors and dismissed claims that other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), approached them for a trade involving Rohit Sharma.
In the same vein, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan clarified that CSK had no intentions to approach Mumbai Indians for such a trade. The IPL trade window reopened on December 20 and will stay open till a month before the tournament.
What did CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan say?
"We don't trade players as a principle and we also don't have players to trade with Mumbai Indians. We have not approached them and we don't intend to either," he told Cricbuzz on the sidelines of the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on Tuesday.
Mumbai head coach Mark Boucher also informed that there will be no trade deals and the apparent discontent was "purely a transitional phase".
"Well, we have had conversations with certain team members and the leadership within the group. I think it's purely just a transition phase. It's the game of cricket. Mumbai Indians move forward. Rohit has been fantastic for us.
"He's been a stalwart for Mumbai Indians, he has done really well. This is just a decision that is made by us to move forward and get into a transition phase with the new captain and it's, you know, take all the motions aside and all that type of stuff. That's simply what it is all about," the coach said.
"I have heard rumours via social media, all that type of stuff, but I'm not really into social media stuff. As far as I can say it was handled by us in the best way possible. We understand the emotions around everything, but this is purely a transitional phase for Mumbai Indians. And decisions were made by us to move forward and that's where we are at the moment."
What did Akash Ambani say about Rohit Sharma's future at Mumbai Indians?
This was the first time that the fans were given the opportunity to witness the IPL Auctions live from the venue. Taking its benefit to the fullest, a young Mumbai Indians fan did not hold back emotions regarding Rohit Sharma. It is reported that a fan shouted at the top of their voice, asking about Rohit Sharma's situation, and wanting him back at the helm for Mumbai Indians.
Being present at the venue, Akash Ambani was ever-so-calm in handling the situation. Ambani Jr. responded that Sharma will bat, and there is no need for the fans to worry about his role within the team.
"Do not worry, he will bat, Akash Ambani responded to a fan at the IPL 2024 mini-auction," he said.
MORE: IPL 2024: Complete list of players bought and unsold
What did Mahela Jayawardena say about Rohit Sharma's future at Mumbai Indians?
Mahela Jayawardena, MI's Head of Global Operations shed some light upon Rohit's role within the MI squad. The former Sri Lanka skipper was confident about Rohit's role and leadership status within the squad. He said that Rohit would guide the next generation, on and off the field. Jayawardena called Rohit a fabulous individual and a fabulous leader.
"We respect fans' emotions, Having Rohit in the team on and off the field to guide the next generation is very important for us," he said.
"He is a fabulous individual, a fabulous leader. I am sure that he will be part of that legacy who will guide that through."
Which players did MI buy at the mini-auction?
The Mumbai Indians had their task cut out ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction. The MI think tank has done its job remarkably well.
The five-time champions acquired the services of some notable names like Gerald Coetzee, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, and Mohammad Nabi. The franchise has also invested in young Indian talent, something they are well-known to have their faith in.
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