File photo of Rohit Sharma© AFP
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians skipper for IPL 2024. Hardik, who completed a trade move from Gujarat Titans, ended Rohit’s ten-year tenure as MI skipper – a decision that left fans and experts divided. Things did not improve as MI slumped to three consecutive defeats in the tournament leading to fans booing Hardik even at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, former India fast bowler S Sreesanth believes that there is no friction in the side and Rohit would love to play under the captaincy of Hardik this season. He also tried to decode the dynamics in the MI side at the moment and said that Rohit will lead the side “from the back”.
“We have seen the God of cricket, the great Sachin Tendulkar play under Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni). We won the World Cup too. A lot of stories are being told about Rohit Sharma playing under new captain Hardik Pandya but Rohit would love to play freely,” Sreesanth told The Times of India.
“As far as I know Rohit, he would look to bat freely, without any captaincy burden, and may take the Orange Cap too. He is going to have a great season. He has led Mumbai Indians from the front but I am sure Rohit is going to lead Mumbai Indians from the back,” added Sreesanth.
Rohit had a somewhat inconsistent start to the season but Sreesanth predicted that he will be playing very freely and will surely target the Orange Cup (highest run-getter of the tournament).
“I would say let’s be ready for the change and accept the change. For whatever franchisee he will play, Rohit is going to be the same. I am sure he must be going through difficult times personally but I am very confident that he will take it in his stride and will come out as a champ. Rohit is going to score heavily this season,” Sreesanth concluded.
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