In a notable development ahead of IPL 2024, it was disclosed Yesterday that Mumbai Indians would be led by star all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the upcoming season. Pandya is set to replace the legendary IPL skipper Rohit Sharma. This captaincy change has stirred dissatisfaction among Rohit's fanbase which was evident in significant repercussions on various social media platforms.
Considering Rohit's longstanding association with MI and the team's five-title victories under his leadership, fans expressed displeasure with the decision made by the Mumbai Indians franchise. It is somewhat evident that the transfer of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians could potentially cause unrest in the team's dressing room. Similarly, it is clear in a recent cryptic post shared by Suryakumar Yadav on his social media accounts.
Following the removal of Rohit Sharma from the captaincy of Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his sentiments with a broken heart emoji. The current India T20I skipper has recently captained India in two T20I series, a five-match series against Australia at home and a three-match series against South Africa. He has also led the side to victory in both the series.
Let us look at what Suryakumar has shared on his Instagram handle;
Instagram story of Suryakumar Yadav. pic.twitter.com/LNny1Vqitm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 16, 2023
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this post;
Suryakumar yadav, jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma boycott this Mumbai Indians team and show levels to Mumbai Indians
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) December 16, 2023
Now imagine the pain of Rohit Sharma.. Mumbai Indians cheated each and everyone
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) December 16, 2023
Suryakumar also seems to be in disbelief after Hardik pandiya becomes the captain.
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) December 16, 2023
So basically Mumbai Indians have hurt Rohit Sharma , Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav just to satisfy the ego of Chapri Hardik pandiya 😅..
Their Bond🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/aIFGP6FRDR
— White knight 🦇 (@santhoshtiger14) December 16, 2023
He is younger brother
— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) December 16, 2023
Rohit Sharma is His big brother
Rohit Sharma always Treated him. Like his own Young brother
I can feel feeling of Surya kumar yadav
He deserves captaincy 💔
— ShivRaj Yadav (@shivayadav87) December 16, 2023
Shame on mi
Heartbreaking 💔
— Ali Umair Shahbaz (@aliumairshahbaz) December 16, 2023
World Cup haar ke baad toh yeh emoji nahi mila?
— djay (@djaywalebabu) December 16, 2023
WE WANT CAPTAIN ROHIT SHARMA BACK..!
— जोगी जी (@jogiji__) December 16, 2023
Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership: Mahela Jayawardene
The Global Head of Performance at Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene commented on this transition, stating that it represents a move towards legacy building and reflects the team's commitment to being prepared for the future. Jayawardene also expressed gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership. Since 2013, Rohit's tenure as the captain of the Mumbai Indians has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The former Sri Lankan batter even said that Rohit’s leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also solidified his place as one of the finest captains in the history of the IPL. Under his guidance, MI became one of the most successful and beloved teams. The team looks forward to Rohit's guidance and experience on and off the field to further strengthen MI.
"Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season," Jayawardene said.