Mumbai Indians faced criticism after they decided to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the captain for the IPL 2024 season. However, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of the franchise’s decision, asserting that it was the right move. Gavaskar highlighted that Pandya’s leadership qualities and cricketing acumen make him a suitable candidate for the captaincy role. He emphasized that Mumbai Indians’ management likely evaluated several factors before making this decision.
Sunil Gavaskar Backed Mumbai Indians On Replacing Rohit With Hardik
Sunil Gavaskar also pointed out that appointing Hardik Pandya as the captain would help reduce the burden on Rohit Sharma’s shoulders. Additionally, he recognized Mumbai Indians as a franchise that consistently plans for the future. This move, according to Gavaskar, aligns with their forward-thinking approach and strategic vision for the team’s success in the long term.
In a significant trade, Hardik Pandya made a historic return to the Mumbai Indians from the Gujarat Titans in November 2023. Just four days before the IPL 2024 auctions, Mumbai Indians surprised everyone by appointing Hardik as the captain, bringing an end to Rohit Sharma’s decade-long tenure as the skipper.
Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said: “Look, they have always thought about the future of the franchise. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and also faces immense pressure, being the captain of India for all three formats. They have tried to reduce some of that burden and give that responsibility on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya,”
He added: “Handing Hardik, the captaincy is only going to benefit the Mumbai Indians. They have now given the freedom to Rohit to go and express himself freely at the top of the order. Hardik can then come at No.3 or No.5 and help them post totals of 200-plus consistently,”
Rohit Sharma needs 490 more runs to complete 19,000 runs in International cricket.
– One of the modern day greats, Hitman. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jkm2JL2q7g
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2024
