Mumbai Indians have elected Hardik Pandya as their new captain for IPL 2024 by sacking their most trustworthy captain Rohit Sharma, a move that has attracted diverse reactions within the cricket world. Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar was one of several who backed Pandya’s captaincy. Bringing up Rohit Sharma’s age, the 74-year-old recently spoke about him.
The expectation for a change in captaincy heightened, especially with Mumbai Indians capturing Hardik Pandya through a big trade transaction during the IPL 2024 auction on December 19.
To offer background, MI had released Hardik before the IPL 2022 mega auction, and thereafter, he headed the Gujarat Titans, a newly founded team in 2022. The success of Hardik as an IPL captain, guiding Gujarat Titans to victory in 2022 and reaching the final in 2023, presumably played a major influence in the decision to alter the team’s leadership.
While many voiced their dissatisfaction of the decision to dismiss Rohit as MI captain, Pandya eventually gained some backing. Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar was one of several who backed Pandya’s captaincy. Bringing up Rohit Sharma’s age, the 74-year-old recently spoke out about how he thinks it makes sense for MI to choose Pandya as their next captain.
“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,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
Furthermore, Sunil Gavaskar said that Pandya being the new MI skipper will assist the team as the great all-rounder has experience leading the side as because he was the performing captain of the Gujarat Titans for the previous 2 seasons. It is worth noting that Pandya led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title win in their debut season in 2022 and the summit clash in the future season as well.
“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,” Gavaskar further added.
Gavaskar voiced confidence in Pandya’s ability to lead Mumbai Indians to success, noting his excellent captaincy with Gujarat Titans over the last two seasons as evidence.
Comments 3