Former India Test opener Aakash Chopra has reacted to reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma could return as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain ahead of IPL 2027. He believes the reports indicate that discussions might be taking place within the franchise regarding the leadership.
Rohit led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 and he is the most successful IPL captain along with MS Dhoni. However, Hardik Pandya replaced him as captain ahead of the 2024 season. But MI have managed to qualify for the playoffs on a solitary occasion in the last three seasons.
There were reports that Hardik Pandya could also be released by the five-time champions.
“I think I read it on Sports Tak. So I think it would be right, and they would have done some verification, or they might have quoted someone. It means some conversation is happening. The Mumbai Indians are reconsidering whether they should go with Rohit Sharma once again for a short-term arrangement,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator said Rohit doesn’t need to prove his captaincy as he has done a fine job for MI.
“Remember one thing – Rohit Sharma doesn’t have to prove anything as a captain. I don’t have to tell what he would bring as a captain. It’s like showing a mirror to the moon. He is a five-trophy-winning captain. He doesn’t have to tell what he can do. However, would the Mumbai Indians be looking from that perspective? I am not so sure,” he observed.
The former Delhi cricketer highlighted that Hardik Pandya is unlikely to continue as MI captain.
“One thing we understood is that Hardik Pandya will probably not remain the captain. He did the job for three years, but two years were so ordinary that despite the middle season being decent, it’s not going to be good enough. I don’t know whether he will go anywhere or not, but I am assuming Hardik Pandya won’t be the captain because the Mumbai Indians do course correction, and that’s why they are such a successful team,” Chopra elaborated.
Pandya is currently recovering from an injury.
