On Friday, Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) sprang a shock by naming Hardik Pandya as their captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 rather than Rohit Sharm. There had been speculations about Rohit Sharma shedding the MI captaincy from the time Hardik Pandya was introduced again from Gujarat Titans. Hardik made a return to the franchise final month, following a high-profile commerce from Gujarat Titans, whom he led previously two seasons. After asserting the information of the captaincy change, MI put a heartfelt publish on social media for Rohit.

“Ro, In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to Believe. In victories & defeats, you asked us to Smile. 10 years & 6 trophies later, here we are. Our forever captain your legacy will be etched in Blue & Gold. Thank you, Captain RO,” wrote MI on X, previously Twitter.

On Saturday, Mumbai Indians’ distinguished member Suryakumar Yadav posted a heartbreak emoji on X, which went viral as many social media customers associated to the captaincy change on the IPL franchise.

No one Can exchange him in Mi workforce captaincy

Mumbai Indians Be Ready Your Downfall is simply on the Way .

#RohitSharma #MSDhoni#MumbaiIndianspic.twitter.com/yGj7xVHb7E

— 𝘚 (@Swetha_little_) December 16, 2023

A selfless participant such as you should not be too nervous about captaincy

— Pushkar (@musafir_hu_yar) December 16, 2023

WE WANT CAPTAIN ROHIT SHARMA BACK.

— MI Fans Army (@MIFansArmy) December 16, 2023

Suryakumar yadav deserve captaincy #shameonmumbaiindians #Captaincy pic.twitter.com/HV7Ra6BCv5

— ShivRaj Yadav (@shivayadav87) December 16, 2023

This Is For What Purpose,For Changing The Captain Or Hardik Become Captain Of #MI

— Rajasekar Russalayan (@iamrajesh_pov) December 16, 2023

In a press release on Friday, Mumbai Indians stated the change in management was a part of their future planning and thanked Rohit for his exemplary service to the franchise.

Mumbai Indians are probably the most profitable IPL franchise alongside Chennai Super Kings who each have received 5 titles every.

Rohit, who not too long ago led India to the ODI World Cup last, had been captaining the franchise since 2013 after they lifted first of their 5 IPL trophies.

The different titles below Rohit’s captaincy got here in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Mumbai Indians had made it to the play-offs in IPL 2023.

“We express our gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership; his tenure as the captain of the Mumbai Indians since 2013 has been nothing short of extraordinary,” stated Mahela Jayawardene, MI’s Global Head of Performance.

“His leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also solidified his place as one of the finest captains in the history of the IPL.

“Under his steering, MI turned some of the profitable and beloved groups ever. We will sit up for his steering and expertise on and off the sphere to additional strengthen MI,” he added.

The significant development also raises questions about Rohit’s future in the shortest format. The 36-year-old was left heartbroken after India fell short in the final hurdle against Australia in the ODI World Cup at home after winning 10 games on the trot.

Another ODI World Cup appearance seems unlikely but he could be back to lead India in the T20 World Cup in six months’ time.

Interestingly, Rohit and Virat Kohli have not turned up for India in the T20 format since the semifinal exit at the World Cup in Australia last year.

With PTI inputs