• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IPL 2024 Auction: The IPL 2024 auction went underway in Dubai but there were still heavy talks around regarding Mumbai Indians' decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as their new captain.

The decision came a few days ahead of the auction and was not received well by the fans as they bashed the franchise for not being loyal to the skipper who led them to the five IPL titles.

While Mumbai Indians were in action at the auction table, their Global Head of Cricket Mahela Jayawardene opened up on the reactions over Rohit Sharma's removal as captain as he said that the backlash seems to be fair.

 

ALSO READ: IND vs SA 2nd ODI Live Score And Updates

 

Rohit took over the MI captaincy way back in 2011 and led the franchise till last season before Pandya was brought back to the team from Gujarat Titans where he spent two years as captain and will now lead his former franchise.

Pandya was traded to MI from GT ahead of the retention deadline in November, which also saw the Mumbai-based franchise trading Australia all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“Absolutely, it's fair on the fans as well, everyone is emotional. We have to respect that. At the same time, as a franchise, we had to make those decisions. And having Rohit in the team to guide the next generation is very important. I think he has been absolutely brilliant. I have worked closely with Rohit, he is a fabulous individual, a fabulous leader,” said Jayawardene.

Notably, fans registered their disappointment with the franchise on social media over their decision as MI lost massive followers on both Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Some fans even misbehaved with the gears of the franchise burning and bashing the jerseys and caps of the Mumbai Indians.

Rohit was handed over the captaincy of Mumbai from Ricky Ponting after a disappointing start to IPL 2013 which eventually they ended up winning under the leadership of the veteran Indian batter.

 

ALSO READ: All Sold And Unsold Players From IPL 2024 Auction

 

He went on to create something special with Mumbai, leading them to titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 as well, a record of five IPL wins which was equaled by Mahendra Singh Dhoni with CSK in IPL 2023.

Sharma, who has not played T20Is for India since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss against India, will not be leading his franchise from IPL 2024.