Mumbai Indians Global Head of Cricket Mahela Jayawardene has said that fans reacting to Rohit Sharma being removed as captain is fair. Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit as the new skipper of Mumbai Indians and will lead the side in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League.
Pandya was announced as the new captain of the side on December 15. The former Gujarat Titans captain would be taking over from Rohit, who has five IPL titles to his name. Pandya was traded to MI from GT ahead of the retention deadline in November, which also saw the Mumbai-based franchise move Australia all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Speaking to Jio Cinema, Jayawardene said it’s fair that fans are reacting to Rohit being removed as skipper, adding that the team needs him around for his experience.
“Absolutely, it’s fair on the fans as well, everyone is emotional. We have to respect that. At the same time, as a franchise, we had to make those decisions. And having Rohit in the team to guide the next generation is very important. I think he has been absolutely brilliant. I have worked closely with Rohit, he is fabulous individual, fabulous leader,” said Jayawardene.
Sharma had been at the helm of Mumbai Indians since 2013 and won a record number of titles – 5, which was equaled by Mahendra Singh Dhoni in IPL 2023. Sharma, who has not played T20Is for India since 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss against India will not be leading his franchise from IPL 2024.
