Mumbai Indians had grabbed a lot of headlines ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. First, it was the return of Hardik Pandya, after a record trade deal with Gujarat Titans, then it was the removal of Rohit Sharma by Pandya as captain of the team.
The fans were not happy with the management’s decision and also vented their anger on social media. However, the team coach Mahela Jayawardene He believed that whatever the fans did was fair and believed that MI needed Rohit because of his experience.
Mahela Jayawardene opens up about Rohit Sharma’s removal from captaincy
Speaking to Jio Cinema, Mahela Jayawardene said: “Of course, it’s also fair for the fans, everyone is excited. We have to respect that. At the same time, as a franchise, we had to make those decisions. And having Rohit in the team to guide the next generation is very important. I think he’s been absolutely brilliant. I have worked closely with Rohit, he is a fabulous person and a fabulous leader.”
While fans were angry with Mumbai Indians, there were also reports of a rift between the team management and Rohit Sharma. It was reported that Rohit along with many big names in the team have signed commercial deals with any of the big teams like Chennai Super Kings or Delhi Capitals.
However, an MI official while speaking to Cricbuzz rubbished all the claims and stated that all the reports were false. The official further said that the decision was taken after discussions with all key players.
The MI official said: “Rohit is not going anywhere, nor is any player. The news is totally fake and fake. No MI player will leave us or be traded for us. He confided in each player before making the decision. Rohit was also informed and is a fundamental part of the decision-making process.”
Mumbai Indians have been a game-changer in Rohit Sharma’s life as they were the team that groomed him as captain. Rohit has won five IPL trophies with the ‘Men in Blue and Gold’ and has also been the most successful captain of the team.
Rohit Sharma’s wonderful captaincy for Mumbai Indians also opened the door for him to lead the Indian cricket team. Rohit led the ‘Men in Blue’ to the final of the ODI World Cup 2023. The right-handed opener will be keen to end India’s ICC title drought in next year’s T20 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma showed a brilliant batting performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit was among the top scorers. Rohit played attacking cricket throughout the competition and scored a century against Afghanistan.
Rohit Sharma will now take to the cricket field in the two-match Test series against South Africa starting December 26. Rohit will want to win the series and help India register important points in the 2023-25 World Test Championship.
The Indian team reached the final of the World Test Championship but lost to New Zealand and Australia.