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Former India's star batter Navjot Singh Sidhu is gearing up for a comeback to the commentary box with the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Joining the Star Sports broadcast team, Sidhu marks his return to the commentary arena after a lengthy break. Following an illustrious cricketing career, Sidhu burst into the cricket broadcasting arena as a celebrated commentator.
However, just before making his return to the IPL 2024 commentary booth, Navjot Singh Sidhu during an exclusive interview with India Today gave his two cents on the much talked about Mumbai Indians' captaincy transition with Hardik Pandya taking over as their new skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. Sidhu highlighted the inevitable nature of change and suggested that Rohit would appreciate a break from captaincy duties.
According to Sidhu, Rohit Sharma would be at ease with the decision to pass the Mumbai Indians' captaincy mantle to Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024. He pointed out that Pandya's cricketing journey received a significant boost from Rohit back in 2015 when he was given a chance to play for Mumbai Indians, setting the stage for his rise to the Indian national team.
Sidhu also mentioned that Hardik Pandya would still require Rohit Sharma's support. Expanding on this point, he noted that Rohit would find solace in stepping down from the captaincy after many years with the Mumbai Indians. Sidhu metaphorically described captaincy as a throne of thorns where success can be elusive, underscoring the challenges and rewards of leadership in cricket.
Cricket commentator Sidhu lauded Rohit Sharma's exceptional leadership qualities, praising his performance at the helm of both the Indian team and the Mumbai Indians over the years. Sidhu even predicted that the 36-year-old batsman will relish the upcoming IPL season. This, according to Sidhu, could be a sign that we'll see Rohit Sharma, also known as the "Hitman," return to his dominant form.
If you are not a captain, it releases so much pressure: Navjot Singh Sidhu on Rohit Sharma
However, the text goes on to highlight a contrasting point. While Rohit's captaincy is admired, his batting performance in the IPL hasn't lived up to his own high standards recently. Since scoring 405 runs in 2019, which coincided with Mumbai Indians' fourth IPL title win, he hasn't crossed the 400-run mark. His scores in the following seasons were 332 (2020), 381 (2021), 268 (2022), and 332 (2023).
Finally, the text mentions Sidhu's additional comment. He believes that even though Rohit Sharma is no longer the captain, his experience will still be valued. Sidhu expects Hardik Pandya, the new captain, to seek Rohit's guidance throughout the IPL season.
“One thing is certain. If you are not a captain, it releases so much pressure from the back of your mind. Look, any captaincy, any leadership role is a bed of thorns, whether you accept it or not. Some have enjoyed it, some have taken it as a burden,” Navjot Singh Sidhu exclusively told India Today.
“Rohit Sharma is a successful and iconic Indian captain. To not be captain in the IPL and pass on the baton to someone and enjoy cricket, I am sure that Hardik Pandya would run to him, time and again, and consult. A conversation with a wise man is worth months of education,” Sidhu further said.
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Rohit Sharma is someone close to genius: Sidhu
Sidhu also wants Rohit to take care of his fitness so that he can play lot more cricket.
“This is not about Rohit Sharma going down a few notches. This is about old order changes, yielding place to new. It has happened always, right? Whether it was Ian Chappel, Greg Chappel, Sunil Gavaskar or Tendulkar, a time comes when everybody has to go.”
“I feel that he has a lot more years to play, Rohit, if he takes care of his fitness. He is someone close to genius. I have seen him pick balls on the front foot and hit them square for sixes. He has own USP. Nobody can take that away,” Sidhu concluded.
Five-time IPL title winners will start their IPL 2024's campaign against Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans on March 24.
MI vs IPL 2024 schedule for IPL 2024's first leg:
MI vs vs Gujarat Titans vs - March 24 - Ahmedabad - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - March 27 - Hyderabad - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs vs Rajasthan Royals - April 1 - Mumbai - 7:30 PM IST
MI vs vs Delhi Capitals - April 7 - Mumbai - 3:30 PM IST
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