Hardik Pandya vs Rohit Sharma: After a two-year stint with the Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya is set to rejoin the Mumbai Indians. The franchise revealed the all-cash trade on Monday. MI had released Pandya ahead of the IPL mega auction in 2021, following which he joined GT. There, he not only captained the team to a title win in his debut season but also guided them to the final earlier this year.
Rohit Sharma recently captained India to the World Cup final, but there's uncertainty lingering about his future in T20Is, especially since he hasn't featured in the format since the beginning of 2023. Additionally, Hardik Pandya's return to the Mumbai Indians has sparked confusion regarding the team's captaincy situation.
Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth had expressed his belief before the trade that if Hardik Pandya moved from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians, he would likely be entrusted with the leadership role, and Rohit Sharma, the current skipper, would ensure a seamless transition of power. Srikkanth had conveyed his confidence that Pandya would assume the leadership at MI if the trade went through.
At 36, Rohit Sharma remains the most decorated captain in the Indian Premier League, having secured five IPL trophies—an achievement only matched by the legendary MS Dhoni.
Following the heartbreak of the World Cup 2023, Rohit faces critical decisions regarding his captaincy decision. Despite his explosive T20 performances in the World Cup, tallying 597 runs at a striking rate of 120.94, his T20I and IPL stats have seen a decline. The looming question is whether the pivotal decision regarding his future will come in the IPL 2024.
As Rohit Sharma weighs the possibility of relinquishing one format to extend his career with Team India, the consideration of stepping down from the Mumbai Indians' captaincy might also be on the cards. By doing so, he could potentially reduce the pressure on himself, allowing for a more free approach to his batting similar to his performance in the recent World Cup.
Hardik Pandya could lead India in the T20 World Cup 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma, who might step back from T20Is. In Mumbai Indians, Pandya seems poised to take over the captaincy having already proven his leadership with Gujarat Titans, winning the IPL in his debut season.
Former South African and Royal Challengers Bangalore batter AB de Villers has also opined on this matter saying, "He (Rohit Sharma) leads India in international cricket, and I feel Hardik will take up the leadership role at MI to ease some pressure from Rohit’s shoulders."