Sunil Gavaskar believes the Mumbai Indians (MI) may have picked Hardik Pandya as their skipper for IPL 2024 due to Rohit Sharma’s lack of commitment in the past two seasons.
MI acquired Pandya from the Gujarat Titans ahead of Tuesday’s auction in Dubai. He has also been selected captain for the forthcoming season of the elite league.
Gavaskar was questioned about his opinion on the Mumbai Indians’ choice to change their captain during a conversation on Star Sports, and he responded:
“We shouldn’t go into right or wrong but they have taken the decision for their team’s benefit. You can say that Rohit’s contribution with the bat was also slightly less in the last two years. He used to contribute a lot earlier.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The former India captain added:
“Two years ago they finished at the 10th spot. Yes, they qualified for the playoffs last year but the passion that used to be seen in him wasn’t evident in the last two years. Probably he was slightly tired because of playing cricket consistently and captaining as well.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Rohit Sharma had a disappointing IPL 2023 season, accumulating 332 runs in 16 innings at a below-par average of 20.75. He had an even slimmer run in the IPL 2022, averaging 268 runs in 14 innings.
Hardik Pandya is a young and successful captain: Sunil Gavaskar on MI’s choice
Hardik Pandya has already established himself as a captain, according to Sunil Gavaskar. He stated:
“I feel the decision that has been taken, he is a young captain who has given results as well. He took the Gujarat Titans to the final twice and Hardik Pandya also won the title once.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The former cricket player who is now a broadcaster wrapped up by saying he thought the Mumbai Indians will benefit from the change in skipper. He clarified:
“So he has been made the captain with that thinking. You need fresh thinking at times and he can bring that. I feel the Mumbai Indians will not be at a loss and will definitely gain from this decision.”
Sunil Gavaskar
India has had Pandya as skipper for T20Is since last year’s World Cup ended, with veterans not playing the fast-paced format. The all-rounder from Baroda may keep leading or pass the torch to Rohit before the next T20 World Cup.