Mumbai Indians' surprising decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the captain for the IPL 2024 season has ignited discussions in the cricketing world.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the move, suggesting that delving into the 'rights and wrongs' isn't necessary. He believes the decision is for the team's benefit, emphasizing Rohit's declining contributions over the last two years.
According to Gavaskar, Mumbai Indians opted for Hardik Pandya due to Rohit appearing 'tired' from leadership responsibilities, both in the IPL and international cricket. Gavaskar sees Hardik, a successful captain for Gujarat Titans, as a fitting replacement.
What did Sunil Gavaskar say?
"We shouldn't go into rights and wrongs. But, the decision they have taken is for the benefit of the team. In the last two years, Rohit's contribution, even with the bat, has dipped a little bit. Earlier, he used to score big, but in the last two years, they finished No. 9 or No. 10 the year before last year and in the last year they qualified for the playoffs," Gavaskar said in a chat on Star Sports.
"But we missed seeing the mojo in Rohit Sharma that we used to see in the previous few years. Maybe, he was a little tired because of playing continuous cricket, he was a little tired because of captaincy, leading India and the franchise," he added.
MORE: Can Rohit Sharma leave MI even after the IPL auction?
"I feel that the decision, they have kept in mind that Hardik is a young captain who has produced results. Hardik has led Gujarat to the finals twice, and he led them to the title in 2022. I think they have made him captain by considering all this."
"At times, you need fresh thinking. Hardk brings in that fresh thinking. I think the decision will only benefit Mumbai Indians, it will not deter them," he added.
Will Rohit Sharma play for another IPL team?
With Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Rohit, commenting in CSK's tribute to the five-time IPL winning captain, rumour mill has been in overdrive linking him with a switch to CSK.
MORE: IPL 2024: What is the remaining purse of each team?
There were also reports that Delhi Capitals tried to rope Rohit in while Gujarat Titans were also credited with an interest in bringing Rohit on board.
But with trade window closed on December 12, no player can be traded between teams and Rohit cannot also enter the auction which is set to take place on December 19.
Which team has the biggest purse for IPL 2024 mini auction?
Can players be traded after the IPL 2024 mini auction?
Yes, players can be traded after the IPL 2024 auction.
The trade window was closed on December 12 and will open again on December 20, the day after the auction.
Teams looking to sign Rohit Sharma or any other player will have to pay cash or trade the player they want for another player from their team.
So, if CSK wants Rohit Sharma from MI, they will need to pay cash or trade another player from their roster to MI.
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