Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel recalled how Rohit Sharma pushed Mumbai Indians to retain Jasprit Bumrah. The gun fast bowler didn’t had a great IPL 2015 as he could only take three wickets in four matches and conceded his runs at a high economy rate of 12.26.

However, Rohit decided to put his weight behind the young fast bowler and the franchise backed him. Patel said Rohit felt Bumrah is one solid player and they should keep him in their squad.

Parthiv Patel said on JioCinema, “Rohit is always with the players and the biggest examples of it are Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Bumrah joined MI in 2014, but when he played his first season in 2015, it didn’t turn out that well. MI had decided to drop Bumrah midway through the season but Rohit felt this is one solid player and that they should keep him. And you saw how from 2016, Bumrah’s performance reached the next level.”

Patel, who was part of the MI during that time, added Rohit also backed all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The youngster joined MI in 2015 but had a poor season in 2016, averaging less than seven with the bat and more than 51 with the ball in 11 matches he played.

“Same with Hardik Pandya. When he joined in 2015, he became quite the rage but in 2016 he had a bad season. The thing is when you’re an uncapped player, franchises release you quickly and then assess how a player is performing in Ranji Trophy or other domestic matches before maybe taking them back. But Rohit did not let it happen. That’s why these guys went on to become the players that they did,” said Parthiv.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain for the upcoming season of the IPL 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.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.