IPL franchise Mumbai Indians has appointed Hardik Pandya as the captain of the team for the upcoming season. Rohit Sharma has been commanding the team for the last 10 years. But this time the franchise has made a big deal before the upcoming season by re-adding Hardik Pandya to the team and has announced his appointment as captain ahead of the IPL mini auction on Friday (December 15). The IPL auction is scheduled to take place on December 19.
According to the statement issued from Mumbai Indians, the change in leadership is part of their future plans. The franchise thanked Rohit for his excellent contribution. On Hardik’s appointment, Mumbai Indians Global Performance Head Mahela Jayawardene said, “This is part of Mumbai Indians’ vision of building a legacy and being ready for the future.” From Harbhajan (Singh) and Ricky (Ponting) to Rohit, we have always had exceptional leadership. All of them have always focused on contributing to immediate success while also strengthening the team for the future.”
Jayawardene said, “This takes this thinking of the team forward. Hardik Pandya will take over the reins of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season.” Mumbai Indians have made a full cash trade of Hardik Pandya for Rs 15 crore from Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Due to which the speculations had intensified that maybe Hardik Pandya should be made the captain of the team for the next season and today the franchise has proved it right by making Hardik the captain.
The former Sri Lankan captain said, “We express our gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his extraordinary leadership. His tenure as captain of Mumbai Indians since 2013 has been extremely successful. ”His leadership has not only led the team to unparalleled success, but he has also proven himself as one of the finest captains in the history of IPL. Under his guidance, Mumbai has become one of the most successful and favorite teams ever.
He said, “We will try to take advantage of his guidance and experience to further strengthen Mumbai Indians on and off the field. Jayawardene said, “We welcome Hardik Pandya as the new captain of the team and wish him all the best.”
Hardik Pandya made Gujarat the winner
Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans had performed well and made it to the finals both times. Gujarat Titans also became champions under the leadership of Hardik Pandya in IPL 2022. It is noteworthy that Hardik has contributed for a long time to Mumbai’s excellent performance in the IPL. Hardik Pandya made his IPL debut in 2015 and remained associated with Mumbai Indians till 2021.
Became champion five times under Rohit’s captaincy
In 2013, Rohit Sharma took command of Mumbai Indians. Mumbai did not have a good start this season under the leadership of Ricky Ponting. After which the franchise chose Rohit Sharma as the captain of the team and then he did not look back. Rohit Sharma made the team champion five times under his leadership. Which is a record in the history of IPL. Apart from Mumbai, Chennai captain MS Dhoni has been successful in winning the title five times. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians became champions in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.