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The Mumbai Indians, a prominent team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have recently undergone a major leadership change as they gear up for the 2024 season. In a strategic decision, the franchise has appointed Hardik Pandya as their new captain. Hardik's return to Mumbai Indians, following a two-year stint with another team, marks a significant shift in the team's dynamics. He was previously released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2022 mega auction but has now rejoined the team in a notable trade last month.
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Despite Hardik assuming the captaincy role, Rohit Sharma, the previous captain, continues to be an integral part of the team. The Mumbai Indians management has stressed Rohit's crucial role during this period of transition. This change in leadership has elicited mixed reactions on social media, with some fans expressing concerns over Rohit being replaced as captain.
Concerning Rohit, while his batting achievements are well-recognised, there have been questions raised about his T20 form in recent IPL seasons. He last crossed the 400-run mark in 2019, with subsequent seasons witnessing a decline in his run tally. Even though Rohit played a key role in leading India to the 2023 World Cup final, his approach in T20 cricket has been a subject of debate.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has opined that as of now, Suryakumar Yadav seems to be the most reliable batsman in the Mumbai Indians squad for the upcoming season. Furthermore, Manjrekar said that there is a question mark over Rohit - the batter - in T20 cricket.
“Ishan Kishan, from couple of seasons before MI paid the big bucks… he is in the same kind of form. Tim David is still trying to fill the shoes of Kieron Pollard. On form, one player that you can maybe depend on, the player who you can expect to come good, is Suryakumar Yadav,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying during the 2nd T20I between India and South Africa.
“Rohit Sharma, for me, as a batter, is a question mark in T20 cricket. has shown promise, the way he played in the fifty -over World Cups. But that's a completely different format, when you know you have fifty overs. They bat in that fashion. Bowlers just bowl differently in 50 overs as well,” he further added.
Additionally, Rohit has not been part of the Indian T20I squad since the T20 World Cup in November 2022. In his absence, Hardik has stepped up as the captain for India in the shortest format.
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