'Hardik Pandya Has Proven Himself, Rohit Sharma's Contribution Has Become Lesser': Batting Legend Backs Mumbai Indians

With Mumbai Indians naming Hardik Pandya as their captain ahead of the next season, it has signalled the change in guard at the franchise.

Pandya left MI to join Gujarat Titans whom he led to an IPL title in 2022 and a runners-up finish earlier this year. In a blockbuster move, the star allrounder returned to his old franchise ahead of the mini auction before being named as their captain.

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The decision thus brought an end to a highly successful rein of Rohit Sharma as the team captain under whom MI won five IPL titles.

Commenting on the development, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar says that there’s no right or wrong to the decision of Pandya succeeding Rohit into the role.

“See, we don’t have to look at it (decision appoint Hardik as MI captain) as right or wrong. The decision they (MI) have taken has been for the benefit of the team. We can say that the contribution of Rohit, even with the bat, has become slightly lesser,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“Earlier, there used to be a lot of contribution (with bat) from Rohit, but in the last few years, they have finished at number 9 or 10. And last year they qualified for the playoffs, but the josh (enthusiasm) of Mumbai Indians was not there to be seen as we have seen in the past,” he added.

Besides his leadership duties with MI, Rohit has also led India across formats and Gavaskar suggested that the fact the star batter played non-stop cricket for a while, it may have impacted his performance.

“Maybe because he has played cricket continuously he must have been fatigued, constantly captaining the Indian side and then Mumbai Indians,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar feels Pandya has proven his credentials with the way he led GT across two seasons and that he will bring a fresh perspective as MI aim to end their wait for a sixth trophy.

“So, the decision that they have taken, he is a young player, young in terms of captaining a side, who has proven himself, taking Gujarat Titans to the finals twice and winning it once,” Gavaskar said.

“So with the same thought process, they have made him captain. Because sometimes you need that fresh thinking, and he can bring that fresh thinking and I think the decision that has been taken, Mumbai Indians can benefit from it and won’t damage them,” he added.