Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] Rohit Sharma, a pivotal figure in the Mumbai Indians franchise, was replaced as captain ahead of IPL 2024, stirring significant controversy among fans. Hardik Pandya’s appointment as the new skipper sparked uproar, especially among Rohit’s supporters, who consider him one of IPL’s finest captains. However, amidst the tumult, Rohit reached a milestone, playing his 200th IPL game for Mumbai Indians on March 27.
Having been a fixture in the league since its inception, Rohit initially played for the now-defunct Deccan Chargers before joining Mumbai Indians, where he played a pivotal role as captain in the team’s five championship wins. Although now trailing behind Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in franchise matches played, Rohit’s legacy remains significant. In honor of his 200th game, Mumbai Indians icon Sachin Tendulkar presented him with a special jersey adorned with the number 200.
Despite the milestone, Mumbai Indians faced a tough start to their IPL 2024 campaign, suffering a defeat to last year’s finalists, Gujarat Titans. Pandya’s energetic performance against his former franchise wasn’t enough, as Mumbai Indians fell short chasing a target of 169 set by the Shubman Gill-led side.
In a tense finale, with Pandya at the crease, the team required 19 runs off the last over against Umesh Yadav. Pandya struck a six and a four but fell to Yadav’s subsequent delivery, who also claimed the wicket of Piyush Chawla. Ultimately, Mumbai Indians lost by 6 runs in a closely contested match.