Published: Feb 14, 2024, 10:56 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2024, 10:56 AM (IST)
IPL2024: Renowned cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is optimistic about Mumbai Indians (MI) undergoing a leadership transition, suggesting it will enhance the prospects of the IPL’s joint record-time champions in the upcoming season. Following a remarkable performance in the 2023 season of the lucrative league, Mumbai Indians orchestrated a groundbreaking all-cash trade, securing the services of all-rounder Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the auction.
After leading Gujarat Titans to consecutive IPL finals, all-rounder Pandya made his return to Mumbai Indians. Pandya, a beloved figure in his hometown, played a pivotal role in guiding GT to victory in their inaugural IPL season. During his last term as captain of the Gujarat-based team, the 2022 IPL champions reached the final, competing against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Following his high-profile transfer to Wankhede Stadium, Pandya, who previously served as Rohit’s deputy in the Indian national team, was appointed as Mumbai Indians’ new skipper.
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Mumbai Indians franchise made the strategic decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Pandya as captain for IPL 2024, considering Sharma’s age of 36. Batting icon Gavaskar elaborated on the necessity for this leadership change within the Mumbai camp, emphasizing the franchise’s forward-thinking approach. “They have always prioritized the future of the team. With Rohit Sharma nearing 36 years old and shouldering the captaincy across all three formats for India, the pressure on him is immense. By transferring some of that responsibility to the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya, they aim to alleviate some of that burden,” Gavaskar explained during an interview with Star Sports.
Granting Hardik the captaincy is set to be advantageous for Mumbai Indians. Despite veteran opener Rohit’s commendable performance with 332 runs in 16 games last season, the all-format captain of the Indian team steered MI to the playoffs. Under Rohit’s guidance, MI clinched victory in 87 games while enduring defeat in 67 matches. MI skipper Hardik has also led Team India in the absence of the regular captain. “Appointing Hardik as captain will only serve to benefit Mumbai Indians. This decision now allows Rohit the liberty to play his natural game at the top of the order. Hardik, in turn, can contribute effectively at No. 3 or No. 5, consistently aiding MI in posting formidable totals exceeding 200,” Gavaskar further elaborated.
MUMBAI INDIANS SQUAD 2024:
Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd (from LSG), Hardik Pandya (from GT).
