Mumbai Indians have brought back Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024. He has been appointed as the team captain, taking over from the legendary five-time IPL winning captain Rohit Sharma. This decision represents a significant change in the way leadership is handled within the franchise. Pandya’s comeback added a perfect mix of seasoned expertise and all-round talent to Mumbai Indians’ roster. Mumbai Indians have made this signing to strengthen their squad. They recognised the valuable all-round skills and leadership potential of Pandya. Mumbai Indians wanted to nurture the future and look on the future of the franchise.
Fans, particularly loyalists of Rohit Sharma, expressed dismay over the abrupt leadership change at Mumbai Indians. The lack of communication surrounding the decision drew widespread criticism on social media platforms. In the initial three games of IPL 2024, which saw Mumbai Indians on the losing end, Hardik Pandya faced vehement backlash from the crowd. Fans replied with boos and derogatory chants towards Pandya. They taunted him with chants of “Rohit, Rohit” throughout.
There seems to be some tension within the Mumbai Indians team. Senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav are reportedly feeling let down. The team has been divided due to their exclusion from captaincy consideration. There is growing discontent among the ranks due to the decision to appoint Pandya as captain, bypassing others.
Harsha Bhogle Feels That Jasprit Bumrah And Suryakumar Wanted To Become MI Captain
The arrival of Pandya, who was bought from Gujarat Titans, to lead the team has only made tensions worse. Bumrah and Surya have felt betrayed as senior loyal players as they were not preferred for captaincy.
Harsha Bhogle has echoed the same sentiment that both of the senior players have felt betrayed. He stated: “What about Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav? Suryakumar Yadav has been the captain of Mumbai before. Given the kind of person he was as noticed by Gautam Gambhir, they made him vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders very early, he would have said, “Look, I love Rohit, if not Rohit why not me?”
And Jasprit Bumrah would have had exactly the same situation. “I have been captain of India in a Test match, I am a very cerebral bowler, I read the game well, I am at the height of my powers then why not me?” So, they are unhappy. Now with all these things in perspective, you have got to make sure your side wins.”
