The cricketing world has been abuzz with updates on IPL 2024, with player trades and releases dominating headlines. However, the most discussed topic revolves around the surprise trade of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans right after the player retention deadline. Adding to the shock, Mumbai Indians have appointed Pandya as the new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, who led them to five IPL titles in his 11-year captaincy.
Rohit Sharma shares the title of the most successful IPL captain with MS Dhoni, both having led their respective teams to five titles in 11 and 14 years, respectively. However, the sudden change in leadership has not been well-received by Mumbai Indians’ fans, leading to a significant decline in the team’s social media following.
The official Instagram handle of Mumbai Indians has lost approximately four lakh followers since Pandya’s appointment as captain. This decision has sparked discontent among Mumbai fans who were hoping for Sharma to continue leading the franchise in the upcoming season, given his successful track record and strategic leadership.
Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ journey, leading them to five titles within eight years. He took over as captain in 2013 midway through the season when the team was struggling, leading them to their first-ever title win. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians became the most successful franchise in IPL history.
Fans express the sentiment that Rohit Sharma deserved the opportunity to step down from captaincy on his own terms, considering his instrumental role in transforming the team’s fortunes since 2013. As Hardik Pandya takes on the captaincy, he faces the formidable task of filling the shoes of a captain who played a crucial role in establishing Mumbai Indians’ legacy as the most successful team in IPL history.