'He did everything for Mumbai': Ex-India star reacts to big controversy over Rohit Sharma's sacking

The announcement that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians was perhaps the biggest news ahead of the 17th edition of The Indian Premier League (IPL). The news came in on Friday and it shocked the cricket world as Rohit Sharma led MI to five IPL titles since taking over the captaincy from Ricky Ponting. 

3 things you need to know

• Mumbai Indians released an official statement that confirmed all-rounder Hardik Pandya as the new captain for MI
• Recently Pandya was traded in from Gujarat Titans (GT) 
• Aakash Chopra lauds Rohit Sharma for his fine captaincy 

Also Read: 'Rohit Sharma over anything': Angry MI fans burn team cap, jersey after Pandya is appointed captain

Rohit Sharma is considered to be the most successful captains in the history of IPL

Following the announcement of the new captain, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra came forward to bestow high accolades for outgoing captain Rohit and his time leading the five-time champions. Rohit has captained Mumbai Indians for eleven years, Chopra calls it as "end of an era" and complimented him as "one of the finest captains in IPL history".

Notably, Rohit won the IPL in 2013 in his first season of captaining the team—and went on to win four more titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. MI is now tied with MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings as the most successful team in IPL history. However, Mumbai have failed to reach the final of the tournament for the last three seasons while only qualifying for the playoffs in 2023. Hardik was brought in from Gujarat Titans in the trading window before the IPL auctions. 

Also Read: 'His leadership has not...': Mumbai Indians reveal why MI dropped Rohit Sharma as captain

“He always kept team ahead of self”- Aakash Chopra lauds Rohit Sharma 

"Whether it was opening for the side or batting down the order, he did everything for Mumbai Indians that was asked of him,” said Chopra.

“Rohit Sharma was one of the finest captains—10 years, five trophies. A very successful captain. He understands the pulse of the game and managed the team really well. He always kept team ahead of self. Whether it was opening for the side or batting down the order, he did everything for Mumbai Indians that was asked of him,” Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra added that all of the players who have worked with Rohit have praised his leadership qualities. He also regarded the seasoned batter as one of the greatest of the modern era. 

“The biggest parameter [to judge a captain is], the players who have played under you, do they want to keep playing more under you. That defines you as a captain and a player. Whoever has played under Rohit has said that he is a very good captain; I want to play under him. He gives me my space. It’s an end of an era. He is one of the modern greats,” Chopra said.