Rohit Sharma’s trophy-laden spell as Mumbai Indians’ captain comes to an end as MI has officially announced the returning Hardik Pandya as the new captain of the franchise. In an emotional message from Mumbai Indians to Rohit Sharma, they wrote: "Ro, In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. In victories & defeats, you asked us to 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦. 10 years & 6 trophies later, here we are. Our 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧, your legacy will be etched in Blue & Gold. Thank you, 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐎💙," accompanying a video showcasing his journey with the team.
Rohit Sharma captained MI for the very first time in the year 2013. He saw off the challenge from then 2-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the final of the IPL 2013, leading the team to their maiden IPL title that year after taking over as their skipper midway through the season.
Check Out MI's Tributary Video On Rohit Sharma Here:
Rohit’s excellence didn’t see a stop there as he guided MI to a Champions League victory as well, followed by IPL titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The Hitman has won the IPL trophy 6 times (5 times with MI, one with Deccan Chargers in 2009 where they beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final).
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Rohit has been among the consistent performers although there has been a dip in his returns with the bat in the recent years. Having said that, there has never been a question on his ability as a skipper. Under his leadership, players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav nurtured and are bringing laurels to Indian cricket. Rohit is also the amongst the very fewest who have taken a hat-trick in IPL, which he did for Deccan Chargers against his then future home, Mumbai Indians, in the year 2009.
As Rohit’s tenure as a captain ends with MI, it marks the dawn of a new era under all-rounder Hardik who is not new to the MI setup and has already won the IPL as a captain with the Gujarat Titans (GT).