• Mumbai Indians failed to implement the trade deal involving Rohit Sharma to Delhi Capitals before IPL 2024.

  • MI started the 17th season of IPL with two consecutive defeats.

Here’s why Mumbai Indians couldn’t trade Rohit Sharma to Delhi Capitals before IPL 2024
Nita Ambani and Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)

Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 retention, the Mumbai Indians (MI) management faced considerable backlash for their decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the captain of the team. Following this move, social media platforms further buzzed with rumors about the franchise planning to trade Rohit. However, then Mumbai management officials promptly denied these claims, dismissing them as entirely unfounded.

Mumbai Indians’ consideration of Rohit Sharma trade deal

Now amidst the ongoing 17th edition of the IPL, a viral video surfaced on social media, reigniting discussions about Mumbai’s alleged intentions to trade Rohit to another team. According to a recent video posted by the platform X, affiliated with Sports Tak, it was revealed that MI had considered releasing their five-time winning captain in exchange for prominent players from Delhi Capitals (DC), with some suggesting the involvement of veteran opener David Warner.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Navjot Singh Sidhu shares the potential impact of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy shift on his playing style

The reason behind the non-materialization of trade with Delhi Capitals

Interestingly, the video claimed that the failed trade deal wasn’t due to contractual disputes or player evaluations. Instead, it was attributed to the overwhelming support Rohit had garnered during the ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit’s exceptional leadership led India to an unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive wins during the World Cup, capturing the nation’s admiration with his remarkable team performance. Faced with such widespread fan support, Mumbai hesitated to part ways with their star player.

Hardik Pandya faces criticism after two consecutive defeats

Nevertheless, the change in leadership to Hardik brought intense scrutiny, particularly after MI suffered unexpected defeats in their opening two matches under Pandya’s captaincy. Consequently, Hardik has faced significant criticism both on and off the field, with fans expressing their discontent on various social media platforms and even resorting to booing at stadiums. With two losses in their opening matches, Mumbai are now preparing to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium in their first home game of the season on Monday.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Actor Sonu Sood slams online trolls and fans booing Hardik Pandya 

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