IPL 2024: When Rohit Sharma Rescued Jasprit Bumrah & Hardik Pandya From Being Dropped By Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma?is gearing up for the 17th edition of the IPL, but this time, he won't be leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) onto the field.?
Rohit Sharma saved?Hardik Pandya from being dropped
Last year, he passed the captain's baton to Hardik Pandya, surprising fans and experts alike. While some former players express their disbelief, the team management stands by the decision as a necessary change.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel recently revealed Rohit Sharma's pivotal role in shaping the careers of two key players, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, during their time with MI.?
Patel revealed on the Legends Lounge Show on Jio Cinema, "Rohit is always with the players and the biggest examples of it are Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya." He elaborates, "When he played his first season in 2015, it didn't turn out that well. It was like he was to be released mid-season but Rohit felt this player is going to shine and that they should keep him."
Similarly, Patel highlighted Hardik Pandya's journey, stating, "The thing is when you're an uncapped player, franchises release you quickly... But Rohit did not let it happen. That's why these guys went on to become the players that they did."
Hardik Pandya's significance in the IPL has been further underscored by his recent stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT). After departing from MI in 2022, he led the team to victory in its inaugural season.?
Now back in the MI fold and serving as the captain, Pandya's return adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain
Rohit Sharma's tenure as MI captain from 2013 to 2023 saw unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the league won five IPL titles, a joint record. Notably, he defeated MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the title clash on three occasions, boasting a flawless record in the final.
With Rohit set to focus solely on his batting for the first time since 2012, his performance in the upcoming season remains highly anticipated. Despite nearing 37, he continues to be a formidable force in the game. Speculations loom over his future with MI beyond IPL 2024, especially if this marks MS Dhoni's final season with CSK, potentially opening avenues for a new captaincy role.
As the IPL commences on March 22, all eyes will be on MI's quest to reclaim the title they last secured in 2020. Their first match against GT on March 24 promises an intriguing showdown as Pandya leads his former team against his current one.
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