Mumbai Indians (MI) made a significant change by appointing premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their new captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Rohit, despite being a five-time IPL-winning captain, isn't the first senior player to be replaced from the leadership role.
Here are a few more veterans on the list. From Rohit Sharma to MS Dhoni, let's explore four legends who were replaced as captains in the IPL:
MS Dhoni faced removal from the captaincy of Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) before IPL 2017. The franchise made a significant decision, appointing Steve Smith as the new captain in place of Dhoni.
RPS's decision to replace Dhoni with Smith indeed came as a surprise given Dhoni's remarkable legacy. However, Smith's leadership proved successful as he excelled in the captaincy role, guiding the team to the final of that season.
Ahead of IPL 2022, MS Dhoni relinquished the CSK captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, who faced challenges as the team secured just two wins out of eight matches.
Rohit Sharma is the latest captain to face removal from his leadership role. Although there were expectations of Hardik Pandya eventually taking over the captaincy, the franchise made the significant decision before the start of IPL 2024.
Before the season concluded, the franchise reinstated MS Dhoni as the captain, reversing the decision made earlier in the IPL 2022 season.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) retained Ajinkya Rahane as captain for IPL 2019, despite Steve Smith's return, given Smith's early departure for World Cup preparations. RR's struggles during the season prompted a surprising decision by the team management, replacing Rahane with Smith as captain.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Auction - All you need to know
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Auction is slated to take place at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Tuesday (December 19). Among the shortlisted players for IPL 2024 Auction, totaling 333 in the final list, only 77 slots are available for acquisition.