The captaincy swap at Mumbai Indians, from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya, has triggered a plethora of reactions from followers. The transfer wasn’t notably nicely obtained by MI’s supporters, a undeniable fact that mirrored on the franchise’s social media following as nicely. Hardik’s return to the franchise the place he began his profession after main Gujarat Titans to 2 finals within the final two years additionally prompted a change within the management construction at MI. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, nevertheless, feels Rohit’s exit as MI skipper is not one thing that must be checked out “sentimentally and emotionally”.

“One should not be thinking sentimentally or emotionally about Rohit Sharma. I think it’s a good move as Hardik Pandya is a proven leader and has had a great run. So, he is your in-form T20 captain and player,” Manjrekar stated on Star Sports after 1st ODI between India and South Africa in Johannesburg.

Ro,
In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You requested us to. In victories & defeats, you requested us to. 10 years & 6 trophies later, right here we’re. Our , your legacy will likely be etched in Blue & Gold. Thank you, pic.twitter.com/KDIPCkIVop

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 15, 2023

The reactions on social media since Hardik’s appointment as MI’s skipper has largely been emotional, with some followers even criticising the franchise for his or her remedy of the person who led them to five titles in 10 seasons. But, Manjrekar is of the opinion that Hardik’s appointment makes a variety of ‘cricketing sense’, even when it would not make emotional sense.

“Rohit has been around for a long time. So, it makes a lot of cricketing sense to have somebody like Hardik,” he said.

But, Manjrekar can also be apprehensive concerning the psychological impression such a transfer can have on Hardik contemplating the efforts Mumbai Indians needed to make in an effort to get him to the franchise within the first place.

“I just hope he doesn’t feel the pressure of how the transferred happened and Mumbai Indians backing him so much,” Manjrekar added.