File photo of Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma© BCCI/Sportzpics
Only a few weeks to go before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season gets underway, but the Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace captain Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya remains arguably the most talked-about topic. There still remains a sense of disappointment in MI fans over Rohit’s demotion. In fact, former Mumbai Indian star Ambati Rayudu also feels the captaincy change call was taken in haste. Rayudu, who has also played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, wants Rohit to follow his path and join the MS Dhoni-led side.
Rayudu had no qualms in suggesting that Rohit should’ve been persisted with as the captain of the Mumbai franchise for another season, especially as he is also leading the Indian team at present.
“Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain made in haste. The franchise should’ve stuck with Rohit for this season as he is still captaining the Indian team. Hardik could’ve played under Rohit’s captaincy at MI for a season and then taken up the leadership role from the next year,” Rayudu said in a chat with News 24.
The former MI and CSK batter feels Hardik could find it difficult to lead the Mumbai side as it has a different setup in comparison to Gujarat Titans.
“Coming from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians as a captain could be difficult for Hardik as the setup is different,” he said.
As for Rohit’s future, Rayudu is keen to see the opening batter join Chennai Super Kings. If the situation allows and he shows interest himself, Rayudu would like to see Rohit leading the Yellow Brigade.
“I would like to see Rohit at Chennai Super Kings. If MS Dhoni isn’t continuing (beyond this season), Rohit could lead the franchise,” he asserted.
The Mumbai Indians open their season with the first match against the Gujarat Titans, Hardik’s previous franchise, on March 24.
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