Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has spoken about Mumbai Indians’ captaincy change ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He believes removing Rohit Sharma as leader in the last minute is the reason behind the team’s poor performance in the league.
Mumbai Indians became the first team eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They were eliminated from the tournament after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 57th game of the tournament on Wednesday (9th ). May) in Hyderabad.
The captaincy change ahead of IPL 2024 did not go down well with Mumbai Indians. Before the tournament, they removed Rohit Sharma as leader and appointed Hardik Pandya as captain. The all-rounder was transferred to the franchise from Gujarat Titans after leading the team for two years.
This surprised many as Rohit Sharma was removed as captain of the team. The opener led the team to five league titles and made them the most successful in the tournament. Many fans and experts criticized the team management for his decision.
Wasim Akram stated that a last minute change in captaincy made the difference for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Talking to Sportskeeda about the same, he explained:
“Mumbai Indians must be going through a lot as a team. Last minute change of captain mein jo huwa hai na Mumbai Indians ka, usse farak toh pada hai (Last minute change in captaincy definitely made a difference).”
Mumbai Indians have failed to win matches despite having a star-studded lineup. The Hardik Pandya-led team has played 12 matches in the tournament and has won only 4 matches and lost 8. They also have a poor NRR of -0.212.
If it had been known that it was cloudy and Rohit himself would have said: I just want to play cricket – Wasim Akram on Mumbai Indians leadership
Wasim Akram further stated that if Mumbai Indians had communicated earlier that they wanted to change their captain, Rohit Sharma himself would have stated that he wanted to rest and play cricket.
Wasim Akram further claimed that Mumbai Indians should have made Hardik Pandya the vice-captain of the franchise in IPL 2024 and then Rohit Sharma would have passed the baton to the all-rounder next year. He added:
“If it was found that these clouds are there and Rohit himself said, ‘I just want to play cricket and rest.'” The Indian captain was also shocked (if it was predetermined and Rohit had said it himself), he just wanted to play. Cricket and rest. If he had also given up the Indian captaincy, then it would have been fine).
“He is also the captain of India. In my opinion, make Pandya vice-captain this year. (Rohit is also the captain of India. MI should have made Hardik as vice-captain) Rohit will be the captain next year and then I I’ll relax, I’ll give the reins to Pandya. That didn’t go down well with the Mumbai Indians.