Mumbai Indians (MI) stalwart Rohit Sharma is poised to bid farewell to the franchise after nearly a decade of captaincy. Leading the team since 2013, Sharma guided MI to an impressive five IPL titles, establishing them as one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history before Chennai Super Kings matched their record.
The decision to replace Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain for the 2024 season has sparked controversy within the MI camp. Pandya, who debuted for MI in 2015 and led Gujarat Titans to their maiden title in 2022, returned to his old franchise with the condition of assuming captaincy. However, Sharma reportedly harbors dissatisfaction with Pandya’s leadership.
Tensions have escalated, leading to a visible divide within the MI fanbase. While some support Pandya’s appointment, a significant number of fans remain loyal to Sharma. Instances of fans booing Pandya and expressing support for Sharma have been observed in stadiums, exacerbating the rift.
The situation reached a boiling point during MI’s recent match at Wankhede Stadium, where fans were prohibited from displaying banners in support of Sharma. Moreover, reports emerged of fans being required to discard “Hitman” banners outside the stadium. Further exacerbating the situation, measures were reportedly implemented to expel anyone vocalizing dissent against Pandya during matches.
The decision to replace Sharma without explanation has left him disgruntled, with speculations arising that this season may mark his final stint with the franchise. As MI grapples with internal turmoil, Pandya faces immense pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes following three consecutive losses. The upcoming match against the Delhi Capitals poses a crucial test for Pandya as he endeavors to prove himself as the new leader of the Mumbai Indians.
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