Former Mumbai Indians cricketer Pragyan Ojha recently revealed that former Deccan Chargers (now defunct) skipper Adam Gilchrist had recognised Rohit Sharma as the next skipper of the franchise. Notably, Ojha had earlier been a part of Deccan Chargers franchise as well.
Ojha's big revelation
“As a batsman he was extraordinary. Then even Mumbai's domestic team did not see him as a captain. But I distinctly remember that when Adam Gilchrist was captain, he kept Rohit in the think tank,” Ojha revealed while speaking to Cricbuzz.
"He felt that the way Rohit batted, the clarity he showed and the ability he showed in pressure situations, he might have leadership qualities. And when his inputs started coming in, it surely felt like he could be the captain,” he further added.
Rohit had played for Deccan Chargers (DC) franchise in three Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons- 2008, 2009 and 2010. At the mega auction for IPL 2011, the Mumbai-born cricketer was roped in by MI and later in 2013 he was appointed as the leader of the franchise.
Ojha believes that had there been no auction after the IPL 2010 season, “Rohit would have led the Deccan Chargers side before leading the Mumbai Indians team.”
“Had there been no auction after the third season, then probably Rohit would have led the Deccan Chargers side before leading the Mumbai Indians team. Because Gilchrist had already said 'Rohit is ready now'. But in auction, it's not in anybody's hand, and everyone knew that Mumbai Indians would go after Rohit Sharma because after Sachin Tendulkar, they felt that if anyone could lead the side then it would be Rohit,” Ojha said.
Rohit as MI skipper
Rohit’s stint as MI leader started on a promising note after the 30-year-old Indian batter clinched the prestigious IPL trophy in 2013. Eventually, Rohit lifted the IPL trophy four more times (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020).
Though, MI could not start the 15th edition of IPL on a positive note as they lost their opening two matches. In their first match, MI conceded a four-wicket defeat against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC). In the next match, MI suffered a 23-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
