'MI finished No. 9 or No. 10 the year before last year': Gavaskar opens up on Hardik replacing Rohit

The Mumbai Indians chose to name Hardik Pandya as their captain for the Indian Premier League in 2024. Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma, who has brought glory in the franchise with five title wins. While fans have been critical of the move, Sunil Gavaskar has backed it up. The legendary cricketer has claimed that such a highly discussed decision has been made after the management saw the need for a new leadership and strategies.

3 Things you need to know

• Mumbai Indians named Hardik Pandya as their new captain 
• Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, MI have won five titles
• MI's decision to change the captain has left the cricket fraternity with mixed opinions

Also Read: Arshdeep Singh achieves new feat after dominating the Proteas explosive bowling spell in 1st ODI

Mumbai Indians named Hardik Pandya as the new captain 

After the Mumbai Indians acquired Hardik Pandya in a historic trade deal of the December 19 IPL 2024 auction, a change of leadership was inevitable. Prior to the IPL 2022 mega auction, MI released Hardik, and the all-rounder went on to lead Gujarat Titans, a newly formed franchise. In his first season as captain in the Indian Premier League, Hardik led the Gujarat Titans towards their first title in 2022 and were the runner-up in 2023

Speaking to Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar said that Rohit Sharma appeared a little worn out after leading the Mumbai Indians for the previous two seasons. He also pointed out that starting in 2022, Sharma was heading India in all three forms.

"We shouldn't go into rights and wrongs. But, the decision they have taken is for the benefit of the team. In the last two years, Rohit's contribution, even with the bat, has dipped a little bit. Earlier, he used to score big, but in the last two years as they finished No. 9 or No. 10 the year before last year and in the last year they qualified for the playoffs." 

"But we missed seeing the mojo in Rohit Sharma that we used to see in the previous few years. Maybe, he was a little tired because of playing continuous cricket, he was a little tired because of captaincy, leading India and the franchise," he added.

Gavaskar stated that since Pandya is a youthful captain who has guided GT to the finals a couple of times the MI management chose him as captain after taking these criteria into account. 

Also Read: 'He means business': Ravi Shastri analyses how a top-tier Indian batter has 'kept Test cricket going

"Fresh thinking for MI"- says Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar also predicted that Hardik Pandya will be a huge success for Mumbai Indians, stating that the team will gain a lot from the captaincy change. 

"At times, you need fresh thinking. Hardik brings in that fresh thinking. I think the decision will only benefit Mumbai Indians, it will not deter them," he added.

In the IPL 2024, Rohit Sharma is anticipated to play for the Mumbai Indians, guaranteeing a seamless transition. Following the auction, the IPL trade window remains open until the week before the new season begins the following year.