Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of Cricket, admitted that changing Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya because the crew’s captain was a tricky choice however termed it a mandatory name with future in thoughts. Pandya’s return to MI as captain had evoked sharp responses from the groups’ fan base, however Jayawardene asserted that Rohit will stay an integral a part of the aspect. “It was a tough decision. It was emotional, to be honest. It’s fair on the fans as well (to react). I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions,” Jayawardene instructed Jio Cinema.

The former Sri Lanka captain stated the choice was made after significant conversations.

“The legacy is something we want to build on and make sure we keep fighting for those wins, those trophies. That’s the focus going ahead.

“Probably, everybody of their eyes will suppose it’s too quickly, however it’s a choice we needed to make sooner or later,” Jayawardene said.

Jayawardene said Pandya fitted well into Mumbai’s leadership environment.

“Hardik (Pandya) has been within the dressing room for fairly a while, in order that’s nothing new. We know what he brings in as an all-rounder,” he said.

“It will likely be one thing completely different along with his expertise of main the crew at Gujarat, so, it is a chance to construct on that.”

However, Jayawardene said stripping of captaincy will not have any effect on Rohit’s place in the MI establishment.

“Having Rohit within the crew, on and off the sector to information the following era is essential for us. He has been completely good. I’ve labored very intently with him. I’m certain he will likely be a part of the legacy who will information that by.” Jayawardene cited the example of Sachin Tendulkar, who gave away MI captaincy to play as a senior batter and mentor the younger players of the side to validate his point.

“Sachin performed with the children. He gave the management to another person and made certain Mumbai Indians have been moving into the best path. It’s the identical factor. We had this dialog and everyone seems to be shopping for into that. It’s for us to sit up for the following season,” he added.

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