The choice of Mumbai Indians (MI) to nominate Hardik Pandya their captain by changing Rohit Sharma has positively not gone down effectively with many followers of the group. Expressing their disappointment, many followers unfollowed the Instagram account of MI with the franchise witnessing a noticeable dip. MI misplaced greater than 5 lakh followers in lower than 24 hours because the announcement of the captaincy change. By the point, this information was written, MI’s fan following on Instagram was diminished to 12.6 million.

The announcement about change of captaincy from Mumbai Indians got here after Hardik made a return to the franchise final month, following a high-profile commerce from Gujarat Titans, whom he led up to now two seasons.

In an announcement, Mumbai Indians stated the change in management was a part of their future planning and thanked Rohit for his exemplary service to the franchise.

Mumbai Indians are probably the most profitable IPL franchise alongside Chennai Tremendous Kings who each have received 5 titles every.

Rohit, who just lately led India to the ODI World Cup closing, had been captaining the franchise since 2013 after they lifted first of their 5 IPL trophies.

The opposite titles underneath Rohit’s captaincy got here in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Mumbai Indians had made it to the play-offs in IPL 2023.

In the meantime, Hardik contributed to Mumbai’s wonderful run within the IPL, enjoying a key position within the group’s triumph between 2015 and 2021 earlier than leaving to captain the Titans. He led them to the title on its IPL debut in 2022 and to a runners-up end earlier this yr.

The numerous improvement additionally raises questions on Rohit’s future within the shortest format. The 36-year-old was left heartbroken after India fell brief within the closing hurdle in opposition to Australia within the ODI World Cup at house after successful 10 video games on the trot.

One other ODI World Cup look appears unlikely however he may very well be again to steer India within the T20 World Cup in six months’ time.

Apparently, Rohit and Virat Kohli haven’t turned up for India within the T20 format because the semifinal exit on the World Cup in Australia final yr.

(With PTI Inputs)