“As controversial as it was and as a shock it was,” former SRH coach explains why Rohit Sharma won’t replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain

Hardik Pandya was heavily criticized for his captaincy in his first match.

“As controversial as it was and as a shock it was,” former SRH coach explains why Rohit Sharma won’t replace Hardik Pandya as MI captain

Hardik Pandya (Image via IPL)

When Hardik Pandya was announced as Mumbai Indians captain, many fans were unhappy. They wanted former captain Rohit Sharma back. These calls for his return increased after MI lost their opening game to Gujarat Titans. 

Following their loss, many fans on social media called for Rohit Sharma’s return. They claimed the decisions made by Hardik Pandya were questionable, especially with the way he rotated his bowlers. While many fans want this action to happen, former Sunrisers Hyderabad Coach Tom Moody explained why it was not possible. 

I will be very surprised if that is the case. It will be very short-sighted if suddenly five games in or eight games in, it will change. It is that long-term vision. So I think for Hardik Pandya, elevation to that leadership role, as controversial as it was and as a shock it was to lots of people, particularly MI fans, I think it's a long-term decision.
Tom Moody on Star Sports

Pandya had joined and captained Gujarat Titans in 2022 after being released by MI. He led them to two consecutive IPL finals, winning it on his first attempt as well. Many saw his move back to MI as a shock, and were more enraged when he became captain. According to reports, Pandya accepted to move back only if he was made captain. 

Mumbai Indians coach explains why Hardik Pandya opened the bowling 

During Hardik Pandya’s debut as Mumbai Indians captain, he opened the bowling instead of Jasprit Bumrah. His plan backfired, as he gave 20 runs in his first two overs. In the post-match press conference, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard defended Pandya’s decisions. 

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (Image via IPL)
Hardik (Pandya) has also bowled with the new ball for Gujarat over the last couple of years. He swung the new ball and bowled it well, which was nothing new to us. We tried to use the advantage of the new ball swinging along.
Kieron Pollard in the post-match press conference

He also defended Pandya’s decision to come at number 8, where he came in to bat in the 19th over. Pollard claimed it was a team decision as well, and asked everyone to stop blaming the captain. 

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