Hardik Pandya’s tenure as captain for Mumbai Indians has started poorly, with the team losing all three matches in IPL 2024. Rohit Sharma was replaced as skipper before the season began.
Mumbai Indians suffered defeats against Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals in their first three matches. Hardik Pandya is also facing criticism from disappointed fans due to the change in captaincy and the team’s lackluster performance in the tournament.
This disappointment has been directed towards Hardik Pandya, who has been facing constant boos in the ongoing tournament. The recently appointed captain of Mumbai Indians has encountered hostility from fans at all the stadiums where his team has competed thus far in the ongoing tournament.
MI acquired Hardik Pandya through a trade from Gujarat Titans before the current IPL edition. Pandya led the Gujarat Titans for two seasons, winning the title in 2022.
Fact-Check – Is Rohit Sharma Replacing Hardik Pandya As Mumbai Indians’ Captain?
Meanwhile, amid Mumbai Indians’ ongoing struggles in the 2024 IPL season, speculation has arisen about Rohit Sharma potentially assuming the captaincy mid-season.
Rumors suggest that Mumbai Indians offered Rohit Sharma the captaincy due to dissatisfaction with Hardik Pandya’s leadership. Allegedly, Sharma declined the offer, possibly indicating his intention to leave the team next year.
🚨 Breaking News 🚨
Yesterday, Rohit Sharma was offered the captaincy of Mumbai Indians, but he rejected it. Also he clearly mentioned that he will not play for MI from next season. [Source: Link in reply]
“Nothing over self-respect.” 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mxUtD4jYvu
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 4, 2024
The rumors started after former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary, in an interview with the Cricbuzz, claimed that the captaincy could be handed back to Rohit Sharma.
“It can happen. It’s a big call because whatever little I understand these franchises and owners, they don’t hesitate in taking calls,” Tiwari said on Cricbuzz.
He had said: “It’s a clue that Hardik is under pressure. If he is not bowling having bowled in the first 2 games, and in conditions where there was swing on offer in both first and second innings, I think he felt the pressure with the kind of reception he received. I want to say something big. I have this feeling that during this break, Rohit Sharma could be given back the captaincy from Hardik Pandya,”
As of now, these are mere rumors, and neither the franchise nor any player has confirmed Rohit Sharma taking over the captaincy mid-season. No official statement has been released by IPL officials or Mumbai Indians, nor have credible journalists provided any information. Given the nature of Mumbai Indians’ ownership, it’s improbable that Rohit will reassume the captaincy. Hardik Pandya is likely to be given a full season to demonstrate his capabilities.
