Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons giving the captaincy to Hardik Pandya will benefit Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2024. Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also led the franchise to the final of the tournament in the previous season but they could not cross the last hurdle against CSK.

The all-rounder rejoined Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal and later replaced Rohit Sharma as the team’s captain. Furthermore, Pandya has the experience of leading India in T20Is in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, Rohit led Mumbai Indians to five titles in the IPL, which is the joint-most along with MS Dhoni and thus Pandya will have big shoes to fill.

“Look, they have always thought about the future of the franchise. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and also faces immense pressure, being the captain of India for all three formats. They have tried to reduce some of that burden and give that responsibility on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

“Handing Hardik, the captaincy is only going to benefit the Mumbai Indians. They have now given the freedom to Rohit to go and express himself freely at the top of the order. Hardik can then come at No.3 or No.5 and help them post totals of 200-plus consistently,” Gavaskar added.

Earlier, the Little Master had said that Pandya would bring fresh leadership thinking to MI.

​​”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 had said.

Hardik Pandya is currently recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered in the ODI World Cup whereas Rohit Sharma is leading India in the ongoing Test series against England.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.