In a huge turn of events, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians appointed Hardik Pandya as the skipper for the upcoming season of the cash-rich league tournament. Hardik Pandya had recently been traded by Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans where he led the team to the finals on two occasions. Hardik Pandya joined Gujarat Titnas in 2022 after being released by Mumbai Indians. Pandya led the team to title victory in 2022, and in 2023 he led the team to the final as they lost to Chennai Super Kings. Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma to become Mumbai Indians’ new skipper but there have been conflicting views on the leadership transition in Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya has showcased tremendous skill and determination in his game and has been a part of major accomplishmets, whether it is with India or in the IPL. Weighing in on the point, Sunil Gavaskar was in full endorsement of Hardik Pandya as the captain of Mumbai Indians. 

“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,” 

“But we missed seeing the mojo in Rohit Sharm 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 said.

“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. Hardik brings in that fresh thinking. I think the decision will only benefit Mumbai Indians, it will not deter them.”