Hardik Pandya replaces Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain in IPL 2024: MI share heartfelt tribute to their 'forever captain'

Hardik Pandya replaces Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain in IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians (MI) announced on Friday that five-time IPL winning captain Rohit Sharma will be stepping down, and Hardik Pandya will be taking over from the 'forever captain' of the Mumbai side. Pandya was recently bought by Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 15 crore in the transfer window. In the two seasons as GT skipper, Hardik won one IPL title and finished second this year. 

In a statement, Mumbai Indians said the change in leadership was part of their future planning and thanked Rohit Sharma for his exemplary service to the franchise.

Hardik Pandya announced as captain for the IPL 2024 season.

Read more https://t.co/vGbcv9HeYq pic.twitter.com/SvZiIaDnxw

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 15, 2023

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have been the most successful IPL franchises with five titles each.

In another post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mumbai Indians wrote: "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."

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

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 15, 2023

Mumbai Indians' Management Responds

Commenting on Hardik's appointment, Mahela Jayawardene, Global Head of Performance, Mumbai Indians said: “It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready.

"Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future.

"It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season." Rohit, who recently led India to the ODI World Cup final, had been captaining the franchise since 2013 when they lifted first of their five IPL trophies.

The other titles under Rohit's captaincy came 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.

"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 guidance, MI became one of the most successful and loved teams ever. We will look forward to his guidance and experience on and off the field to further strengthen MI.

"We welcome Hardik Pandya as the new captain of MI and wish him all the very best," added Jayawardene.

Hardik Pandya's Legacy at MI

Hardik Pandya contributed to Mumbai Indians' glorious run in the IPL, playing a key role in the team's triumph between 2015 and 2021 before leaving to captain the Titans. He led GT to the title on its IPL debut in 2022 and to a runners-up finish earlier this year.

What next for Rohit Sharma?

His sacking as Mumbai Indias' skipper raises doubts regarding Rohit Sharma's future in the 20-over format. 

The 36-year-old skipper of Team India was left heartbroken after the Men in Blue fell short in the finals 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 Agency Inputs)