The return of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians (MI) during the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) hasn't gone as expected.
Hardik was released by MI ahead of the 2022 auctions and snapped up by new entrants Gujarat Titans (GT). The franchise named the all-rounder as the captain and he led GT to the IPL title in their debut season itself, followed by a runners-up finish in 2023.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on IPL action
Ahead of IPL 2024, Pandya returned to MI but the decision to promote him as the skipper at the expense of India captain and former MI leader Rohit Sharma has received a lot of flak online, as well as from a few pundits.
MI have played three games in IPL 2024 so far, but they haven't managed to win a single one of them.
MORE: 'Players should accept him as their captain' - Harbhajan Singh weighs in on Hardik Pandya at MI
Will Rohit Sharma leave Mumbai Indians? Former MI captain set to be part of IPL 2025 mega auction
According to News 24 (via India.com), Sharma is not happy with the current situation at MI and could consider parting ways with the team ahead of the 18th season of IPL.
The report further claims that the veteran Indian batsman could go under the hammer for the first time since 2011 - when MI bought him - as he is all set to be a part of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
MORE: Why are MI struggling in IPL 2024?
Former Mumbai Indians player Ambati Rayudu believes that franchises will be lining up to sign Sharma has the captain.
"It's Rohit's call at the end of the day," Rayudu told Star Sports.
"He can go wherever he wants to go. All the teams would love to have him as a captain for sure. I am sure he will go to a franchise that maybe treats him better than what has happened here."
How has Rohit Sharma performed in IPL 2024?
| Matches | Runs | H.S | Avg. | S.R | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 69 | 49 | 29.50 | 171.01 | 0 |
0 |