Did Chennai Super Kings (CSK) want Rohit Sharma in a trade after he was replaced as the Mumbai Indians captain? CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has for once and all refuted all rumors and reports of CSK approaching the Mumbai Indians for a trade of Rohit Sharma.
Last week, Hardik Pandya was announced as the new MI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm bringing an end to his decade-long captaincy rein.
Rohit led MI to 5 IPL titles but had failed to lead them to a final in the last three seasons. In the same timeline, Hardik propelled Gujarat Titans to two consecutive IPL finals, winning the trophy last year and losing this year to CSK. With Rohit being 36 years old and Hardik being 30 years old, it is a logical move for MI to trade him in and appoint him as their new captain. However, this led to not only Rohit but also senior players Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah reportedly being unhappy.
Rumors started floating on social media that CSK and Delhi Capitals then approached MI for a trade of Rohit Sharma, but MI denied them.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has now busted all these rumors, saying that it is against the “principle” of CSK to trade players, and also pointing out that they don’t have any funds to trade in Rohit.
“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,” Kasi Viswanathan told Cricbuzz on Tuesday in Dubai where the IPL 2024 auction was held.
Rohit Sharma will guide the next generation: Mahela Jayawardene
On the same day, Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of Cricket, also spoke about fans’ emotions and the importance of Rohit on their side.
“We respect Fans emotions. I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions.”
“Having Rohit in the team on and off the field to guide the next generation is very important for us. He is a fabulous individual, a fabulous leader. I am sure that he will be part of that legacy who will guide that through,” Jayawardene said.
