Parthiv Patel, a former India and Mumbai Indians (MI) wicketkeeper, described an event in which Rohit Sharma encouraged the franchise to retain Jasprit Bumrah following his terrible 2015 season.
Bumrah has been with MI since 2013, although his results in the first three seasons, particularly in 2015, were underwhelming. That year, the ace bowler took only three wickets in four games while maintaining an economy of more than 12.
However, wiser sense prevailed, and Bumrah remained with the franchise owing to Rohit’s support; the rest is history.
Parthiv recalled the event at the Legends Lounge Show on Jio Cinema, saying:
“Rohit is always with the players and the biggest examples of it are Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Bumrah joined MI in 2014, but when he played his first season in 2015, it didn’t turn out that well. MI had decided to drop Bumrah midway through the season but Rohit felt this is one solid player and that they should keep him. And you saw how from 2016, Bumrah’s performance reached the next level.”
Parthiv Patel
Although Bumrah was a member of MI’s five title campaigns from 2013 to 2020, he played a key role in their final three victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
In those 3 years, the cricketer aged 30 combined his skills for 66 wicket dismissals from 47
“Same with Hardik Pandya” – Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel also revealed that Rohit Sharma supported Hardik Pandya following his dismal performance in the 2015 and 2016 IPL seasons.
The 30-year-old joined MI in 2015 but struggled in 2016, averaging less than seven with the bat and 51 with the ball in 11 games. However, since 2017, he has been a different beast, delivering consistent all-around performances.
“Same with Hardik Pandya. When he joined in 2015, he became quite the rage but in 2016 he had a bad season. The thing is when you’re an uncapped player, franchises release you quickly and then assess how a player is performing in Ranji Trophy or other domestic matches before maybe taking them back. But Rohit did not let it happen. That’s why these guys went on to become the players that they did.”
Parthiv Patel
Ironically, Hardik will now replace Rohit Sharma as MI captain for the 2024 IPL season.
The talismanic all-rounder departed MI to captain the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the last two years, helping them win the title in 2022 and reach the final last season. Hardik Pandya returned to MI in an all-cash trade with GT over the offseason.