IPL 2024: Suryakumar Yadav, Irfan Pathan & others react as Hardik Pandya takes charge of MI from Rohit Sharma

In a surprising turn of events, Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced Hardik Pandya as the new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

This significant leadership change follows Pandya’s recent move to MI from Gujarat Titans (GT) in a trade deal amounting to ₹15 crore.

End of Rohit Sharma’s decade-long reign as a captain of Mumbai Indians

The decision to appoint Pandya as the skipper marks the conclusion of Rohit’s remarkable decade-long reign as the captain of MI. Rohit took charge in 2013 and led the Mumbai-based franchise to five IPL trophies and one Champions League title, making him one of the most successful captains in IPL history. Under Rohit’s leadership, MI became synonymous with success and strategic brilliance, achieving five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Rohit’s legacy as a skipper

The 36-year-old leaves behind a legacy of captaincy excellence, having steered MI in 158 IPL matches. His impressive record includes 87 victories, 67 losses, and four ties, with a win percentage standing at 55.06. Rohit’s leadership prowess was characterized by quick decision-making, astute bowling and fielding placements, and tactical sharpness. The era of Rohit’s captaincy, which began in 2013, played a pivotal role in shaping MI as a dominant force in the IPL.

Hardik Pandya’s captaincy challenge

As Pandya steps into the captaincy role for MI, he faces the challenge of leading a team with a rich history of success. The shift in leadership marks a new chapter for the franchise, and all eyes will be on Pandya as he takes charge of the team for the upcoming IPL season. The announcement has stirred discussions among cricket enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the IPL 2024 edition

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Cricketing fraternity reacts to Rohit’s captaincy news

The announcement of Rohit stepping down as the captain of MI has reverberated across the cricketing world, eliciting a range of reactions from players, legends, and fans. Prominent figures expressing their opinions include former Indian cricket superstar Irfan Pathan, cricket analyst and broadcaster Harsha Bhogle, commentator Aakash Chopra and the current captain of India’s T20 team and Rohit’s MI teammate, Surya Kumar Yadav.

Harsha Bhogle’s evaluation of Rohit’s leadership skills

Renowned cricket analyst and broadcaster Bhogle, known for his astute observations, delved into the implications of Rohit stepping down as captain. Bhogle acknowledged Rohit’s monumental success, placing him alongside MS Dhoni as one of the most successful captains in IPL history. He also highlighted the daunting challenge for Pandya in replicating Rohit’s captaincy feats.

That Hardik Pandya would be captain of @mipaltan was an open secret. Rohit Sharma can lay claim to being, with MS Dhoni, the finest leader in the #IPL. It may not be a bad idea to let him relax and have fun because the IPL can take a lot out of you and he will have led India in 5…

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 15, 2023

Irfan Pathan’s reflection on Rohit’s captaincy transition

Irfan, a revered figure in cricket with profound insights, offered his perspective on Rohit’s decision to step down from the captaincy. Pathan emphasized the enduring impact of Rohit’s captaincy on the Mumbai franchise, expressing the sentiment that, Rohit’s name will forever be synonymous with the team legacy.

Kitne bhi saal ki purani ye franchise kyon na ho jaae sabse upar naam Rohit Sharma ka rahega. @ImRo45 @mipaltan

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 15, 2023

Aakash Chopra’s take on Rohit’s captaincy transition:

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra weighed in on Rohit’s departure from the captaincy, emphasizing the importance of choosing words carefully in this process. Chopra expressed his belief that terms like “sacking” should be avoided when discussing the transition of captaincy, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the situation.

Sacking is a very strong word, I feel.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 16, 2023

Surya Kumar Yadav’s emotional reaction

Surya Kumar, presently leading the Indian T20 team and Rohit’s MI teammate, conveyed his emotions through a heartbreak emoji. The subtle yet powerful expression encapsulates the sentiments and deep connections players share, emphasizing the impact of Rohit’s captaincy decision on the team’s camaraderie.

💔

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) December 16, 2023

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