Former South African star AB de Villiers is taken aback by the critical reaction to Hardik Pandya’s appointment as the new Mumbai Indians (MI) captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season.
De Villiers feels that Rohit relinquishing the captaincy will only help the latter enjoy his game and express himself more effectively.
In a video on his YouTube channel, here’s what AB de Villiers had to say about Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma:
“Some people will be happy about it, some people will be sad about it. I read a post where MI lost a million followers so it seems people have taken it personally that Hardik has replaced Rohit. However, I don’t see it as a bad decision for MI.
“Rohit has been a fantastic captain for MI. But he is also the Indian captain and now is the time for him to just settle a bit and enjoy the game and give the pressure of taking the heat to someone else.”
AB de Villiers
He added:
“I feel Rohit has made a conscious decision looking at the load and wanting to focus more on his batting skills. Hardik is the captain for the Mumbai Indians and that’s the news.”
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers urges MI fans to have faith in Hardik Pandya
AB de Villiers understood why most MI supporters thought Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah should have been named captain. However, he believes that Hardik Pandya’s success with Gujarat Titans can be replicated at MI.
According to De Villiers:
“You can say that Surya and Bumrah were more loyal to the brand and Hardik moved on but he is back now. I was surprised to see the negative reaction to the announcement. Give the guy a chance to come back. I am sure if he lifts a trophy with others in the team you guys won’t have a problem.”
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is also optimistic that Mumbai would play Dewald Brevis in the top order. He went on to say:
“I think they (MI) need at least a couple of fast bowlers. Maybe a spinner. That’s what they will be looking at. I hope they give Dewald Brevis game time in this IPL. Up the order with Rohit Sharma would be absolutely fantastic.”
AB de Villiers
Mumbai Indians will enter the IPl 2024 auction with INR 17.75 crore in the bank.