The Mumbai Indians’ decision to alternate the captaincy between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024 has disappointed many fans. Pandya being named captain before the season began didn’t sit well with several loyalists of Rohit Sharma. This discontent was apparent from the audible boos directed at Pandya during every match.
Manoj Tiwary Made A Controversial Statement On Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy
In addition, Pandya’s decision-making as captain has come under scrutiny, raising questions about his leadership abilities with such a talented squad.
In the first match against GT, Pandya’s decision to promote Tim David ahead of himself, despite the looming threat of Rashid Khan, puzzled many fans. Unfortunately, the move didn’t pay off as David struggled, causing Mumbai Indians to lose momentum and ultimately the match.
Similarly, in the following match against SH, Pandya’s reluctance to introduce ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah early in the innings raised concerns. Bumrah’s delayed entry, despite SH’s aggressive batting, exacerbated Mumbai Indians’ challenges.
Meanwhile, with three consecutive defeats, Mumbai Indians are in a precarious position, urgently requiring a reversal in their fortunes. Amidst the turmoil, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary speculated about the possible reinstatement of Rohit Sharma as captain, noting Mumbai Indians’ history of bold decisions.
“I can feel that in this break, captaincy can be handed back to Rohit Sharma from Hardik Pandya. There’s a chance. This is a very big call. What I understand is that the owners of Mumbai Indians don’t hesitate in making decisions. They made the call of taking the captaincy from Rohit and giving it to Hardik Pandya despite Rohit winning five IPL titles for them.”
Manoj Tiwary said: 🗣️
" Rohit Sharma gave 5 trophies to Mumbai Indians and still they disrespected him and that is why you see this reaction from his fans, they are massive." pic.twitter.com/dVwtQ8sSq2
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) March 27, 2024
Tiwary added: “Changing the captain is a very big call. They have not picked up a single point this season. And the captaincy is also all over the place. It’s not just bad luck and the captaincy has been very good, that’s not the case. The captaincy has not been great.”
Manoj Tiwary declared: "Rohit Sharma must relinquish the captaincy even though the Mumbai Indians have won five IPL trophies." I'm not sure why, but I get the impression that the fans are not too fond of it. And those are the responses that you observe on the pitch." (PTI). pic.twitter.com/RAZ6U6bFxp
— GS SPORTS (@Gssports25) March 27, 2024
MI captaincy could be handed back to Rohit Sharma: Manoj Tiwary makes bold call#MumbaiIndians #RohitSharma #HardikPandya https://t.co/u7lEGBY7wH
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) April 2, 2024
Even Virender Sehwag pitched in the debate as he said: “I tried to control myself. Please leave something for the next match. What Manoj has said is True but it is a little early. I can only say this. Rohit also lost 5 straight matches as captain and then became champion. I think Mumbai owners will show some patience so this can wait for 2 matches more. Although this has happened before some franchies like PBKS and Chennai. CSK gave it to Ravindra Jadeja and then Dhoni took it back. Talks of taking back captaincy is a little early but it can happen after 7 games maybe.”
