(Image Source: X)
[Saba Sports News] Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a notable change in their leadership by appointing Hardik Pandya as the new captain for the IPL 2024 edition, following a high-profile trade. This decision has led to criticism, as it ends Rohit Sharma’s tenure as captain since 2013. Amidst this, there were rumors that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had shown interest in trading for Rohit Sharma, but CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan denied any such discussions.
Viswanathan clarified at the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai, “We don’t trade players as a principle and we also don’t have players to trade with Mumbai Indians. We have not approached them and we don’t intend to either.”
Additionally, Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher addressed rumors of internal discord within the team, particularly after cryptic social media posts from MI players Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah following Pandya’s appointment. Boucher emphasized that the decision was part of a ‘transition’ phase and acknowledged Rohit Sharma’s significant contributions, including leading MI to five IPL titles.
Boucher commented, “It’s the game of cricket. Mumbai Indians move forward. Rohit has been fantastic for us. He’s been a stalwart for Mumbai Indians, he has done really well. This is just a decision that is made by us to move forward and get into a transition phase with the new captain and it’s, you know, take all the motions aside and all that type of stuff. That’s simply what it is all about.”