Suryakumar Yadav, a Team India and Mumbai Indians (MI) hitter, shared a broken heart emoji on his social media handles on Saturday morning.
Yesterday evening, MI made a major announcement, appointing Hardik Pandya as franchise captain for the 2024 IPL season. To make room for Pandya, they removed five-time IPL champion Rohit Sharma from the position of skipper.
MI fans have expressed disappointment regarding the decision across social media. They felt the Mumbai franchise dismissed the legendary IPL captain Rohit in an unceremonious manner.
Fans also felt that MI insulted experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, who have remained loyal to the team, by appointing Hardik Pandya, a player just traded from GT, as captain.
Suryakumar Yadav, in the thick of it all, posted a sad heart symbol on his Instagram story but provided no reason.
“It’s the end of an era”- Aakash Chopra reacts to Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma as captain
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra paid respect to Rohit Sharma after his leadership tenure with the Mumbai Indians ended. Chopra praised Rohit on his YouTube channel, saying:
“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.”
Aakash Chopra
He continued:
“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 the end of an era. He is one of the modern great.”
Aakash Chopra
From 2013 until 2023, Rohit Sharma captained the Mumbai Indians.