Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season, succeeding Rohit Sharma, who steered the team to five IPL titles, making him the joint-most successful captain alongside MS Dhoni of Chennai Super Kings.
This transition in leadership occurred shortly after Mumbai Indians secured the return of Hardik from Gujarat Titans, where he had previously captained the team to a title and a runners-up finish in consecutive seasons.
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Contrary to potential surprise among fans, it is understood that MI had a blueprint in place while acquiring Hardik from the Titans. The franchise had identified him as the designated successor to Rohit, ensuring a seamless passing of the captaincy baton.
This strategic approach aligns with Mumbai Indians' historical pattern of successful leadership transitions, such as from Sachin Tendulkar to Harbhajan Singh and subsequently from Ricky Ponting to Rohit Sharma.
Will Rohit Sharma play in IPL 2024?
Rohit Sharma will play in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. He is contracted to the franchise and since the trading window is over, he cannot be transferred to any other team as of now.
The same was confirmed by the MI team management.
"It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready," Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai's global head of performance, said in a statement.
"Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season.
MORE: Hardik Pandya vs Rohit Sharma: IPL captaincy record compared
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. We welcome Hardik Pandya as the new captain of MI and wish him all the very best."
How long will Rohit Sharma play for Mumbai Indians? Will he play for MI in IPL 2025?
Looking ahead to the 2025 mega auctions, the IPL Governing Council permits the retention of four players, comprising three Indians and one overseas player.
Under this scenario, it is expected that the three Indian players to be retained by Mumbai Indians would likely be Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, leaving one slot for a foreign recruit. Since it is already clear that they are already looking ahead into the future it is more likely that Rohit will not be retained.
However, an intriguing factor arises if Rohit Sharma delivers an exceptional performance in the upcoming IPL and enjoys a successful T20 World Cup. There will be no dearth of bidders for the hitman who will turn 38 in 2025. It is likely he would like to continue at least until 40 and then we can hope to see Rohit playing for a different team.
MORE: MS Dhoni's iconic No. 7 jersey retired by BCCI to honour the former captain
How have fans reacted to Hardik Pandya's captaincy decision?
The Mumbai Indians fans have not taken the captaincy announcement easily. It is noticed that Mumbai Indians' Instagram handle has lost over 150,000 followers within 12 hours of the announcement. The fans have expressed their agony over all possible social media platforms.
Mumbai Indians lost around 1.5 Lakh followers today after the announcement. pic.twitter.com/GkaMbcwesc
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 15, 2023
The fans are seen setting the Mumbai Indians jersey to fire. Such has been the disappointment among the fan groups, as the Mumbai franchise announce the change in power in the dressing room.
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) December 15, 2023
Some fans have predicted the downfall of Mumbai Indians as an institution. Rohit Sharma brought the team all the laurels, and the fans are perplexed with his sacking as captain.
Mumbai Indians before captain Rohit Sharma
— Nisha (@NishaRo45_) December 15, 2023
Choking shamelessly every year
History will repeat itself just wait #RohitSharma l #HardikPandya #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/w9OwT3WTzn
Other IPL franchises, including arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, have posted tributes for Rohit Sharma.
2013 ➡️ 2023 : A decade of spirited challenge! Much respect, Rohit! 🫡🔥 pic.twitter.com/B8rqCmmT5R
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 15, 2023
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