'They have kept in mind...' - Sunil Gavaskar speaks about 'reasons' due to which MI appointed Hardik Pandya as skipper to replace Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians faced a huge backlash after they replaced Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as a skipper of the team in the Indian Premier League.

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Mathew K
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Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Sunil Gavaskar (File Photo: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Sunil Gavaskar (File Photo: Twitter)

Since the Mumbai Indians appointed Hardik Pandya as a skipper of the team to replace the former skipper Rohit Sharma, it has been one of the most debatable subjects in the Indian cricketing corridors. The fans also looked disheartened with this decision from the joint-most successful franchise of the tournament that won all five trophies under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, the former legendary Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar came up with an explanation about the possible reasons behind this decision taken by Mumbai Indians. He also spoke about the recently appointed skipper Hardik Pandya and his previous stint of two seasons with the IPL 2022 champions.

"We shouldn't go into rights and wrongs." - Sunil Gavaskar on Mumbai Indians 'captaincy' debate

Gavaskar also expressed his opinions about the batting form of Rohit Sharma in the Indian Premier League for the last two editions of the tournament.

“We shouldn't go into rights and wrongs. But the decision they have taken is for the benefit of the team. In the last two years, Rohit's contribution, even with the bat, has dipped a little bit. Earlier, he used to score big, but in the last two years, they finished No. 9 or No. 10 the year before last year and in the last year they qualified for the playoffs,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

“But we missed seeing the mojo in Rohit Sharma that we used to see in the previous few years. Maybe, he was a little tired because of playing continuous cricket, he was a little tired because of captaincy, leading India and the franchise. I feel that the decision, they have kept in mind that Hardik is a young captain who has produced results. Hardik has led Gujarat to the finals twice, and he led them to the title in 2022. I think they have made him captain by considering all this,” he added later.

Furthermore, Gavaskar also stressed about the young mindset and fresh approach or thinking Mumbai Indians might get in Hardik Pandya.

“At times, you need fresh thinking. Hardk brings in that fresh thinking. I think the decision will only benefit Mumbai Indians, it will not deter them,” he said.

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