Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said he would have given one more season to Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain and would have played Hardik Pandya as a vice-captain. Pandya, who savored great success with Gujarat Titans in the last two editions of the IPL, moved back to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal. The all-rounder led GT to glory in IPL 2022 and also led the team to the final in the previous season.
After Pandya’s move was finalized, the Mumbai Indians’ management decided to pass on the captaincy baton from Rohit to Hardik. On the other hand, from 2013 to 2023, Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to five titles in the IPL, the joint most along with CSK captain MS Dhoni, and Yuvraj feels he should have been given one more season by the think tank.
“Rohit Sharma is a 5-time IPL winner as a captain. Removing him is a big decision. I would have gotten someone in, like they brought Hardik (Pandya), but I still would have given Rohit one more season and let Hardik be the vice-captain and see how the whole franchise works,” said Yuvraj Singh on Star Sports.
Yuvraj highlighted that Rohit is captaining India across all three formats of the game.
“I understand from the franchise’s point of view, they have to see the future of the franchise. But then again, Rohit is captaining India and still playing well, so it’s a big decision,” said Yuvraj.
Yuvraj added Hardik Pandya has the talent under his belt but feels it will be a different challenge for him to lead Mumbai Indians as there will be lofty expectations.
“In terms of talent, yes, he has great talent. Being captain of Gujarat will be different from being captain of Mumbai. Expectations are a lot. Mumbai Indians have been a big side,” said Yuvraj.
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.
